News & Blog

Thanksgiving weekend is famous for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Big-box deals, online carts, and doorbusters get most of the headlines. But the most important shopping day for Winston-Salem might be the quiet one in the middle: Small Business Saturday , the Saturday after Thanksgiving, was created to encourage people to shop with small, local businesses. When you choose local that day, you are not just crossing names off a gift list. You are helping your neighbors pay employees, renew their leases, sponsor youth sports, and keep our city’s favorite streets vibrant. What Is Small Business Saturday? Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a national initiative to shine a spotlight on independently owned shops and services. It falls every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and sits right between the biggest days for national retailers and online giants. In Winston-Salem, the “City of Arts and Innovation,” that mission fits perfectly. Our local economy is powered by artists, makers, restaurateurs, boutique owners, coffee shop baristas, fitness studios, and professional services that all call this community home. Where to Shop Small in Winston-Salem You could spend all weekend exploring Winston-Salem’s neighborhoods and still not hit every local gem, but here are a few good places to start. Downtown Arts District and Trade Street Stretching along Trade and Liberty Streets between Fifth and Seventh, the Downtown Arts District is packed with galleries, studios, boutiques, and restaurants. It is a colorful mix of vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, local art, candles, and one-of-a-kind gifts from Winston-Salem creatives. If you want a gift that feels personal and unique, this is a great place to wander with a hot coffee in hand and see what catches your eye. Reynolda Village and the Reynolda Road Shopping District Reynolda Village sits on the historic R.J. Reynolds estate, with former working buildings now home to shops and restaurants. The area feels like a small English village and offers everything from clothing and home décor to student art galleries and cozy places to grab a bite. It is a perfect spot to tackle your holiday list, then linger over lunch or a warm drink at a local café. Local Markets and Pop-Up Events Beyond shops and restaurants, Winston-Salem also has a strong market scene. Seasonal vendor markets like Winston Junction Market and the Water Tower Market at Radar Brewing bring together local makers, bakers, artists, and vintage sellers under one roof. Around the holidays, you will often find special Small Business Saturday events, craft fairs, and markets. Before that weekend arrives, check the Visit Winston-Salem events calendar to see what is happening this year and plan your route. And of course, do not forget the small businesses right in your own neighborhood: hair stylists, gyms, yoga studios, repair shops, and family-owned restaurants that rely on local support. Every purchase and every review adds up. For small business owners, a busy Small Business Saturday can set the tone for their entire holiday season. How the Sharpe Mortgage Team Supports Local Business The Sharpe Mortgage Team is proud to count itself among Winston-Salem’s local businesses. Our team lives here, works here, and partners with other small businesses across the Triad. When you work with a local mortgage team, you are doing more than getting a home loan: You are tapping into a network of local real estate agents, attorneys, inspectors, insurance agents, and other professionals. You are working with people who understand Winston-Salem neighborhoods, market trends, and property values. You are helping keep more of your dollars in the local economy instead of sending your loan off to an anonymous call center in another state. We see firsthand how homebuyers support small businesses once they settle in: they hire local movers, shop at nearby hardware stores, pick out décor from downtown boutiques, and become regulars at local restaurants and coffee shops. Make Small Business Saturday a Winston-Salem Tradition This Small Business Saturday, consider skipping at least a few of the big-box lines and spending that time exploring Winston-Salem’s streets, villages, and markets instead. You will find real stories behind the products, more personal service, and the satisfaction of knowing your dollars are staying close to home. And if buying or refinancing a home is part of your plans this season, the Sharpe Mortgage Team is here to help you navigate your options and feel confident about your next steps.  Have questions about home financing in Winston-Salem or the surrounding area? Reach out to the Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448. We are always happy to talk about numbers, neighborhoods, and your next move.

If your mortgage rate starts with a 6 or a 7 , you’re not alone. After the last few years of fluctuation, a lot of homeowners landed in that range and are now asking the same question: “If I’m already in the 6s or 7s… is it even worth looking at a refinance or cash-out?” The short answer: maybe. The better answer: it depends on your goals, not just the number on your statement. Let’s walk through when that 6- or 7-something rate might actually be an opportunity, when it makes sense to sit tight, and how to get clear answers without doing any math on your own. Where Rates Are Sitting Now (and Why Your Number Might Feel "Stuck") We’re still in a world where most 30-year fixed mortgage rates land somewhere in the 6s, and on some days in the 7s. That’s very different from the ultra-low rates we saw a few years ago, which is why so many homeowners feel like they missed out. Now, even small shifts in the market can create windows of opportunity. The key is understanding what that opportunity looks like for you . If Your Rate Starts with a 7, Don't Ignore It Let’s say your current rate is 7-point-something. You make your payment every month, but you keep hearing that rates have eased a bit from their highs. Here’s why refinancing is worth serious thought in that situation: Small changes can add up. Dropping even a fraction of a percent on a larger loan, over 20–30 years, can mean money back in your budget. You might be able to reset your term. Maybe you’re a few years into your 30-year loan. A refi could let you move into a new 30-year with a lower payment, or even a shorter term (20 or 15 years) while keeping your payment manageable. You can clean up your financial picture. If you’re also juggling high-interest credit cards or personal loans, a cash-out refinance may let you tap home equity to consolidate those balances into one payment at a lower rate than your other debts. None of this means “everyone in the 7s should refinance.” But if this sounds like you, it’s absolutely worth having our team run the numbers so you can see the full picture. Already in the 6s? Now It's More About "Fit" Than FOMO Being in the 6s is a little more nuanced. You might not see a huge rate drop, so this becomes less about chasing the lowest possible number and more about whether your current loan still fits your life . A refinance might still make sense if: You’re in the high 6s and today’s options are meaningfully lower. You’d benefit from switching loan types, such as: FHA to conventional to remove monthly mortgage insurance (if you now have enough equity), or ARM to a fixed rate if you’d sleep better with a stable payment. You’re ready to tap equity for a clear, specific reason: maybe a major remodel, a new roof, or consolidating higher-interest debts into one structured payment. In these cases, the “win” isn’t always a dramatically lower rate. Sometimes it’s a more predictable payment, short path to being debt free, or the ability to tackle big projects without turning to credit card debt. Refi, Cash-Out, or Stay Put? Think of It as a Mortgage Checkup The easiest way to make sense of all this is to treat it like a checkup for your mortgage. When you talk with the Sharpe Mortgage Team, we can walk through: Your current rate, balance, and remaining term Your estimated home value and available equity A few simple “what if” scenarios From there, you can see how your monthly payment would change, how long it will take to break even on closing costs, and even the total interest you’d pay in each scenario over time. Allowing you to easily decide if a refinance or cash-out is right for you. Ready for Your Mortgage Checkup? Contact the Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448 to start your personalized refi or cash-out review. You bring your “6 or 7.” We’ll help you decide what to do with it.

Moving is expensive. Between deposits, new furniture, and a dozen “we didn’t think of that” purchases, the first few months in a new home can feel tight. The FHA Home Start Advantage is designed to ease that early stretch without changing your loan long term. What It Is With Home Start Advantage, the seller or builder covers the interest portion of your mortgage payment for an agreed period, typically 1 to 6 months. During that time, you pay principal + escrow (taxes/insurance) only. That means smaller early payments while you’re getting settled. A Quick Example On a $290,000 purchase at 6.375%, Home Start Advantage could trim roughly $7,500 in interest over the first five months. That’s money you can redirect to furniture, paint, movers, or a rainy-day fund. Why You'll Love It Breathing room early on. Lower payments during the most expensive months of homeownership. Same fixed loan. This isn’t a teaser rate—your loan terms stay the same. Real savings. Less interest up front = more cash for your priorities. Stand Out to Sellers Sellers love options that attract buyers without cutting price. Asking your agent to explore Home Start Advantage can make your offer stand out, especially on new construction where builders often fund incentives. When This Makes Sense Home Start Advantage can be a great match for: First-time buyers who want a smoother landing Move-up buyers juggling overlapping costs New-construction buyers (builders commonly participate) Availability depends on your contract, eligibility, and whether the seller or builder opts in. We’ll map out options for your price point and the current market. Our team will run your numbers, coordinate with your agent and the seller/builder, and show exactly how much you could save with Home Start Advantage. Let's Make Your First Months Easier Contact the Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448 and ask about the FHA Home Start Advantage . Not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval and program availability. Seller/builder participation required. Terms may change without notice.

If you’re an eligible service member, Veteran, or surviving spouse, a VA loan can make buying a home easier on both your savings and your monthly budget. Let’s go over all the benefits of a VA loan to help you understand what you actually get and what the terms mean. What is a VA Loan? A VA loan is a home mortgage issued by private lenders and backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that helps eligible service members, veterans, and certain surviving spouses purchase or refinance a primary residence , often with $0 down and no PMI. Who is Eligible? Active-duty service members, Veterans, many Guard/Reserve members, and certain surviving spouses may qualify. Not sure of your eligibility? We can help you confirm your service and request your Certificate of Eligibility ( COE ), the VA’s official confirmation that you can use the benefit. What are the Benefits of a VA Loan? Lower Upfront Costs $0 down. You can finance 100% of the purchase price. You’ll still have standard closing costs ; within VA rules, sellers can help cover some of them. No PMI, ever. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is an extra monthly fee added to most loans with less than 20% downs to protect the lender if the borrower defaults. VA loans don’t require it, which may save you money each month. Funding fee, explained. Most borrowers pay a one-time VA funding fee. This is usually financed into the loan and helps keep the benefit available. Many Veterans with service-connected disability benefits, and some surviving spouses, may be exempt. Easier to Qualify and Built Around Real Life Competitive Rates. Because the VA backs the loan, pricing is often comparable to other popular loan programs. Approval that looks at the full picture. VA considers residual income —money left after your housing payment, taxes, and major debts—to ensure the payment fits your day-to-day life, not just your credit score. Property Protections So You’re Not Surprised Later Appraisal with safety basics. The VA appraisal checks value and Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs), which include heat, water, roof condition, and other must-haves, so you’re less likely to inherit big problems. Limits on certain fees. VA caps some charges to keep costs reasonable. Seller concessions (seller-paid costs) are allowed within VA rules and may further reduce what you’re required to bring to closing. Flexibility Down the Road A lifetime benefit you can reuse. Your VA entitlement (the VA’s backing on your loan) can be restored after you sell, and in some cases, you can have more than one VA loan if you have remaining entitlement. Assumable loans can be a resale perk. With VA and lender approval, a qualified buyer may be able to assume (take over) your VA loan, including your rate. If rates are higher down the road, that could make your home stand out. Simple to refinance when rates drop. Already have a VA loan? The IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) can help lower your rate or payment with minimal paperwork. There’s also a cash-out refinance to access equity, if approved. Let's Talk If you’ve served, you’ve earned a powerful path to homeownership. The Sharpe Mortgage Team will help you confirm eligibility, compare VA side-by-side with other options, and outline clear next steps from pre-approval to closing so you know exactly what you can afford and why. Ready to put your benefit to work? Call us at (336) 575-9448 to get started.

From Old Salem’s centuries-old legends to whispers on the grounds of Reynolda, Winston-Salem does spooky with serious style. Whether you’re in it for ghost lore, candlelit tours, or just the atmospheric history, here are some can’t-miss haunts. Single Brothers' House & the "Little Red Man" A famous Winston-Salem ghost story centers on Andreas Kermser, a prank-loving shoemaker who died in 1786 when a cellar excavation collapsed beneath the Single Brothers’ House. For generations since, staff and visitors have reported strange sounds and sightings of a figure in red. Salem College & May Dell Amphitheater Founded in 1772, Salem College has accumulated its share of legends, especially around Clewell and Babcock dorms and the wooded May Dell amphitheater. Students and visitors have long traded stories of unusual sights and sounds on quiet nights. Salem Tavern Museum Built in 1784 and quickly rebuilt after an earlier tavern burned, this bustling public house hosted travelers, traders, and President George Washington during his 1791 Southern Tour. Today the museum brings the 18 th century tavern to life and is even the centerpiece of many ghost tours. Reynolda House & Gardens Visitors sometimes mention seeing a “Lady in White” on the estate grounds—often associated with Katharine Smith Reynolds, whose vision shaped Reynolda. The house is also the site of one of Winston-Salem’s most debated tragedies, the death of Zachary Smith Reynolds by gunshot in 1932, an event that has fueled ghostly speculation for decades. God's Acre The Salem Moravian Graveyard may not be haunted, but it’s deeply atmospheric. Since 1771, Moravians have buried congregants here with identical flat stones—a powerful symbol of equality in death. If you visit this serene, historic place, please keep in mind that it is an active burial ground. Want Backup? Go With a Guided or App-Guided Tour If you’d like to be spooked but feel there is safety in numbers, there are plenty of options for guided or app-guided tours. If you’ve got the nerve, you might consider checking out the Old Salem Night Watchman Tours . These after-dark, lantern-lit walks take you through original 18 th century buildings while guides share real history and eerie lore. Prefer to explore Old Salem’s spookier spots at your own pace? Consider a self-guided app-based tour . Mind the Rules (so You Don't Get Haunted by Security) Many of the places mentioned are museums, schools, and sacred spaces. Be sure to observe posted hours, stay on public paths and follow photography rules. Remember that Guided tours and special events often require advance tickets Ready for a New (Ghost-Free) Home Base? From pre-approval to closing, the Sharpe Mortgage Team makes the process clear and calm—no jump scares, just straight answers and on-time closings. Reach out at: (336) 575-9448 if you’re exploring a move across town or relocating to the Triad

The Carolinas are gorgeous this time of year, and while the leaves are changing, one thing hasn’t: buyers who stay active in the fall often find great opportunities. Here’s a quick, no-jargon look at what’s happening and how it could impact your next move. Home Prices Are Still Climbing—Just More Calmly Even with higher interest rates this year, home values in many Carolinas communities continue to edge up thanks to steady job growth and people moving to the area. What this means for you: Waiting on the sidelines can mean paying more later. Buying sooner puts you on the equity-building side of the equation. Rates Are Bouncy—But That Can Work in Your Favor Rates have been moving around as the Federal Reserve watches inflation and overall economic data. What this means for you: Volatility creates windows of opportunity. If you’re pre-approved and ready, you can jump on a good day to lock—and you can always explore refinancing down the road if rates ease. Inventory Is Tight—But Not Impossible We’re not in the frenzied market of a few years ago, but there still aren’t enough homes for everyone who wants one. What this means for you: Well-priced homes still move quickly. Being prepared (pre-approval in hand, documents ready) gives you an edge when the right home hits the market. How to Shop Smart This Fall Get pre-approved early. Know your monthly payment range before you fall in love with a house. Ask for a payment game plan. We’ll run custom scenarios (different price points, down payments, and rate options) so you can compare real monthly numbers. Consider concessions & credits. In some cases, sellers may help with closing costs or a temporary buydown—those can meaningfully lower your payment in year one and two. Be flexible on “nice-to-have” features. A home that’s 90% of your wish list in a solid location can start building equity for you now. Think long-term. If you plan to stay put for a few years, short-term rate noise matters less than long-term equity growth. Bottom Line The Sharpe Mortgage Team will help you move with confidence. Get a fast local pre-approval and straightforward guidance on rates, payments, and timelines so you can act quickly when the right home hits the market. Ready to get started? Contact us at (336) 575-9448 to discuss potential options or begin your pre-approval today.

Cooler mornings and bright fall colors make this the perfect season to give your home a little love. Below are quick wins that protect your investment and small upgrades that make everyday living feel better and can be done in a weekend. 1. Refresh Curb Appeal & Yard Health Do the basics: Mulch or mow thin layers of leaves into the lawn, overseed bare spots while the soil still has some warmth and sweep the walk. Upgrade idea: Create a welcoming entry in an hour—swap in a fresh doormat, add two planters with seasonal color, and update house numbers or the mailbox. If your porch feels dark by 6 p.m., add low-voltage or solar path lights for a safer, cozier approach. 2. Prevent Water Disasters (Gutters, Grading & Cold Snaps) Water is a home’s sneakiest troublemaker. A little prevention now saves big later. Do the basics: Clean gutters after the first big leaf drop and again in late fall. Make sure downspouts discharge several feet from the foundation and that soil slopes away from the house. Seal exterior gaps around windows, doors, and utilities. Before hard freezes, disconnect hoses, cover outdoor faucets, and insulate exposed pipes; on rare extreme nights, let vulnerable lines drip and open sink-base cabinets to circulate warm air. Upgrade idea: Install simple downspout extensions to move water farther from the foundation, add gutter guards if your roof sits under trees, or place smart leak sensors near the water heater, kitchen sink, and laundry. These small devices send alerts if they detect water or freezing temps. 3. Cozy & Efficient: Comfort Upgrades That Cut Waste Do the basics: Schedule a fall HVAC tune-up so your system hits winter in top shape. Reverse ceiling fans to a gentle clockwise spin on low to push warm air down. Add door sweeps and fresh weatherstripping, and top off attic insulation if levels look low. Upgrade idea: Swap high-use fixtures to warm-white LEDs for instant savings and better evening light. If you’ve been living with a chilly room, consider an insulated attic-hatch cover or thermal-lined window panels—both are inexpensive, and noticeably improve comfort. 4. Safety First: Fireplaces, Smoke & CO Alarms Do the basics: Schedule a chimney inspection before your first fire. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and replace batteries if needed; most alarms should be replaced every 8–10 years (check the date stamp). Keep a three-foot clearance around space heaters and store ashes in a metal container outdoors. Upgrade idea: Add a multipurpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage or replace older alarms with modern models that combine smoke and CO detection and include a 10-year sealed battery for fewer chirps. Bottom Line Pairing essential fall maintenance with one small upgrade per area lets you protect your home for a more enjoyable season. If a bigger project is on your list, or you’ve been considering making a move we can walk you through financing options that fit your budget and timeline. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact the Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448 and get started today!

“I couldn't be prouder to see her recognized for the biggest honor in North Carolina and South Carolina,” added Tripp Cunningham, Regional Sales Manager of the East Region. “She’s the real deal. What you see is what you get: genuine, hardworking, and all heart.” Earlier this year, Ashley also earned a Top 10 Nationwide ranking for Customer Satisfaction on the Experience.com platform—an honor based entirely on verified feedback from clients and Realtor partners. This latest recognition is another milestone in a career built on helping families feel confident and supported in their homebuying journey. From first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners, Ashley and the Sharpe Mortgage Team are passionate about guiding each client with care, communication, and heart every step of the way. Congratulations, Ashley! Our team is proud to celebrate this incredible achievement and everything you do for your clients and community. If you’re ready to experience the same award-winning service that earned Ashley this recognition, reach out to The Sharpe Mortgage Team today at 336-575-9448. We’d be honored to help you start your homeownership journey.