News & Blog

We're thrilled to share some exciting news— Highlands Residential Mortgage has once again been recognized as one of the Top 10 Mortgage Companies for Customer Satisfaction in the Jumbo Division by Experience.com for 2024! This back-to-back recognition is a testament to Highlands' unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service, personalized guidance, and smooth mortgage experiences for borrowers nationwide. At the heart of that mission? Loan originators like Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe exemplify what it means to lead with integrity, heart, and hometown service. A shley Ranks in the Top 10 Nationwide! In addition to Highlands' corporate achievement, we're proud to celebrate an incredible individual accomplishment— Ashley has ranked in the Top 10 among all mortgage professionals nationwide on the Experience.com platform!  This isn't just a ranking. It's the result of genuine client feedback collected across thousands of reviews. Experience.com's rankings are based on verified borrower experiences, so this honor speaks volumes about Ashley's consistent delivery of personalized service, deep mortgage knowledge, and unshakable dedication to her clients. What Sets Ashley Apart? Whether it's a first-time homebuyer looking for guidance, a seasoned homeowner exploring financing options, or someone navigating a unique lending scenario, Ashley shows up with answers, compassion, and a plan. Her clients often describe her as: "Responsive, caring, and professional." "Always one step ahead." "Truly invested in making the experience stress-free." These aren't just compliments; they're the foundation of a customer-first philosophy that Ashley lives out every single day. Thank You To Our Clients We're so grateful to every client who shared their experience. Your feedback celebrates our team's hard work and helps other homebuyers feel confident choosing a lender they can trust. If you're planning a home purchase or refinance and want personalized guidance from a team that puts your goals first, The Sharpe Mortgage Team is here to help. Call us at 336-575-9448 to get started.

The 4th of July is a time to come together, celebrate freedom, and enjoy the best of summer with your community. Here in Winston-Salem and the surrounding Triad, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the red, white, and blue—whether you're into fireworks, baseball, history, music, or craft brews. Celebrate Independence Day with these 4th of July events happening in and around Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem Dash Fireworks Game Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2025 Time: Game starts at 6:30 PM Location: Truist Stadium Kick off your Independence Day celebrations early at the Dash's annual 4th of July Game! Watch America's favorite pastime, then stick around for their biggest fireworks display of the year. This event is always a crowd favorite, so grab your tickets early Bolt, White & Blue Celebration at Truist Stadium Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Time: 6–10 PM Location: Truist Stadium (no game this time!) Not a baseball fan? No problem. Truist Stadium is hosting an Independence Day block party featuring live music, food, inflatables, and plenty of family fun. End the night with another round of dazzling fireworks. No ticket is needed to enjoy the party. Old Salem Independence Day Celebration Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Time: 10 AM–4 PM Location: Old Salem Museums & Gardens Step back in time and see how early Americans celebrated the birth of a nation. Old Salem's annual celebration includes historical reenactments, music, crafts, and traditional readings of the Declaration of Independence. It's a meaningful and educational way to honor the holiday. Salem Band "Stars & Stripes" Concert Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Time: 7:30 PM Location: Salem Square, Old Salem Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a patriotic concert by North Carolina's oldest community band. Held in the heart of Old Salem, this free outdoor event includes beloved American marches, hymns, and tributes to military service members—the perfect way to wrap up your Independence Day Celebrations. Kernersville 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 Time: Parade at 9 AM, Gates open at 5 PM, Fireworks at dusk Location: Downtown Kernersville (Parade) & Kernersville Elementary (Evening Events) Start the day with a classic small-town parade featuring colorful floats, lively music, and friendly faces from around the community. In the evening, head to Kernersville Elementary for food vendors, live music, and one of the area's best community fireworks shows. Independence Weekend at Wise Man Brewing Date: Friday, July 4–Sunday, July 6, 2025 Location: Wise Man Brewing, Downtown Winston-Salem Looking for a laid-back way to celebrate all weekend long? Wise Man Brewing will host a relaxed holiday weekend complete with food trucks, live music, and limited-edition brews to toast the 4th in style. With games and great vibes, it’s a fantastic spot for the whole family. Celebrate Freedom and Home As you celebrate freedom this 4th of July, it's also a great time to reflect on what home means to you. Whether you're ready to buy your first home or simply considering a move, we’re here to help you confidently take the next step. For more information or to start your pre-approval process contact the Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448.

When buying a home, misinformation can be one of the biggest obstacles between buyers and their dream property. Let’s flip the script on some of the most common mortgage misconceptions we hear from clients every day, and set the record straight. Myth #1: "I need a 20% down payment to buy a home." Reality: While a 20% down payment can help you avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), it's not required. Many loan programs—like FHA, VA, and some conventional loans—offer low or zero down payment options. Depending on your financial situation and the loan you qualify for, you could buy a home with as little as 3% down. Myth #2: "I need perfect credit to get a mortgage." Reality: A perfect credit score is nice, but it's unnecessary. Different loan programs accommodate a range of credit scores, and even if yours is on the lower end, that doesn't mean you're out of the running. We work with buyers every day who are rebuilding credit or have had bumps in the road. What matters most is finding the right solution for your situation. Myth #3: "Getting pre-approved is the same as being pre-qualified." Reality: While often used interchangeably, these terms mean very different things. A pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on self-reported financial info. A pre-approval involves a complete application and credit check, making it more reliable and attractive to sellers. Myth #4: "The lowest interest rate is always the best deal." Reality: A low rate can be a great benefit when paired with the right loan terms. A loan with the lowest rate might come with higher fees or shorter terms that don't work for your goals. The best deal fits your financial picture holistically, not just the headline number.. Myth #5: "Once I'm approved, I'm in the clear." Reality: Final approval happens at closing. That means your lender will continue verifying your financial situation until the deal is done. Any major purchases, new credit lines, or employment changes could affect your approval. Stay steady and transparent with your lender through the final signature. Let's Talk Facts, Not Fiction No matter where you are in your homebuying journey, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Contact the Sharpe Mortgage team at (336) 575-9448 for more information or to start your pre-approval process. We're ready to help you make smart, informed decisions about your next move.

As North Carolina grows, safe and affordable housing becomes increasingly vital. Governor Josh Stein acknowledges this urgent need: "Our state is growing, and people need a safe and affordable place to live. We will remain focused on identifying solutions to lower the cost of housing for North Carolinians at every stage of life and work to ensure every person has a safe place to call home." What Stein is Proposing Governor Stein's initiative will direct $35 million annually into the state's Housing Trust Fund. Additionally, another $15 million will specifically target workforce housing loans. The investments aren't temporary solutions. They represent a long-term, sustainable commitment to expanding housing opportunities across North Carolina. Why This Matters As home prices and rent costs steadily climb, many North Carolinians feel priced out of the market. Governor Stien's proposed funding directly addresses this issue by increasing the inventory of affordable homes and making homeownership accessible to more people, creating stability and fostering community growth What This Means for Homebuyers Buyers might benefit from a broader range of mortgage options, potentially lower interest rates, and expanded eligibility criteria as affordable housing availability grows. Next Steps to Prepare for Homeownership Get Pre-Approved Early : Connect with the Sharpe Mortgage Team to determine what you can comfortably afford. A clear understanding of your financial position simplifies homebuying and gives you a competitive edge. Incrementally Build Your Savings : While several low-down-payment programs are available, steadily setting money aside can provide you with more options and greater financial security when you're ready to buy. Take Action Today Contact the Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448 for more information or to start your pre-approval process. With the proper preparation and guidance, your dream of homeownership may become a reality sooner than you think!

June is National Homeownership Month —and it's more than just a celebration of real estate. It's about what home truly means: comfort, freedom, stability, and the chance to create something that's all your own. Whether you dream of a kitchen built for hosting, a beautifully landscaped backyard, or simply investing in your future, owning your home could be the answer. A home isn't just a place to live; it's a foundation for the life you want to build. So, Should You Buy Now or Wait? We always hear this question, especially in today's market, and here's the honest answer: while waiting for rates to drop might seem like the right thing to do, holding off could cost more than you think. Home prices are still rising, and many buyers are taking advantage of current incentives—like seller-paid closing costs—that may not stick around as demand picks up. Here's Why Buying Now Could Pay Off Start building equity sooner —every payment moves you closer to full ownership. Freedom to personalize your space —no more asking permission to paint the walls! Stability and predictability —fixed-rate mortgages can protect you from rising rent. Preparation is Power Whether you're actively looking or just testing the waters, getting pre-qualified now can set you up for success later. It gives you a realistic view of what you can afford, confidence to make quick, informed decisions, and a competitive edge when the right home comes along. Think of it as your financial foundation—so when opportunity knocks, you're ready to answer. Knowing your options is always a good idea. If you think homeownership might be your next step, or you're just curious about where to start or what's possible in today's market, I'd love to be your resource. Let's talk about what home could look like for you. Call The Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448 to start your pre-approval today.

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving into a new one, or refinancing your current mortgage, one crucial step in the process is the home appraisal. For many people, this part can feel a little confusing—or even stressful. But understanding how it works (and how to prepare) can make a big difference in your peace of mind. Let’s break it down. What Is a Home Appraisal? A home appraisal is a professional assessment of a property's value, conducted by a licensed appraiser. Mortgage lenders use appraisals to confirm that the home's value supports the loan amount being requested. In other words, an appraisal protects both the buyer and the lender by making sure that the investment makes financial sense. Why Do Appraisals Matter? Appraisals are especially important in the mortgage process. If the appraised value comes in lower than the purchase price, it can affect the loan approval or require renegotiation between buyer and seller. For those refinancing, a strong appraisal could unlock better interest rates, access to cash-out options, or eliminate private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your equity has grown. What Factors Influence the Appraised Value? Appraisers look at several key factors when evaluating a home’s worth: Location: Nearby schools, amenities, neighborhood desirability, and overall market conditions in the area. Square Footage and Layout: Larger homes or those with functional layouts typically appraise higher. Condition of the Home: Cleanliness, upkeep, and whether major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing) are in good shape. Comparable Sales (“Comps”): Recent sales of similar properties in the same area are a major benchmark. Home Improvements: Upgrades like renovated kitchens, bathrooms, or energy-efficient systems can increase value—though not always dollar-for-dollar. How to Prepare for an Appraisal While you can’t control the market or location, you can take steps to ensure your home puts its best foot forward: Clean Thoroughly: Treat the appraisal like a home showing. A neat, tidy space makes a better impression. Complete Minor Repairs : Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, or other cosmetic issues. Boost Curb Appeal: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and make sure the exterior looks well-maintained. Be Available but Not Overbearing: Be ready to answer questions, but let the appraiser do their job without hovering. Home appraisals may seem like just another hurdle in the mortgage process, but they’re really a tool to ensure a fair and informed investment for everyone involved. By understanding what goes into the appraisal and taking steps to prepare your home, you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Have questions about buying, refinancing, or what to expect in your next appraisal? The Sharpe Mortgage Team is here to help every step of the way. Just reach out , we’re happy to guide you through it.

When it comes to buying a home, the right mortgage lender can make or break the process—not just for buyers, but for real estate agents too. That’s why so many top agents across the Triad choose to partner with The Sharpe Mortgage Team.

If you’re starting your homebuying journey in the Triad, you’ve probably come across the terms pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes—and knowing the difference could give you a competitive edge in today’s market.