Sonny Smith Loan Officer NMLS 1969349

06/16/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a home is that there’s only one way to come up with a down payment.
The reality is that buyers often use a variety of resources — and some qualified buyers may not need much of a down payment at all.

Where do down payments come from?
✅ Personal savings
✅ Proceeds from the sale of a primary residence
✅ Gifted funds from a relative or friend
✅ Selling stocks or bonds
✅ Down Payment Assistance Programs
✅ $0 Down — Yes, really! 🔑

0% Down Payment Loan Options:
🎖️ VA Loans — For eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses. No down payment, no PMI, competitive rates. You EARNED this benefit — use it!
🌾 USDA Loans — For buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas who meet income requirements. No down payment.

Maryland buyers may also have access to:
🏠 Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) — state-backed loans with down payment and closing cost assistance. Up to 5% and even up to 6% of the loan amount for eligible buyers

South Carolina buyers may also have access to:
🌴 Palmetto Home Advantage — up to 4% assistance, no first-time buyer requirement
🌴 Palmetto Heroes — for teachers, first responders, nurses, military & law enforcement 🎓🚒
🌴 SC Housing MCC — annual mortgage tax credit
🌴 County First — rural SC county buyers

The right loan for you depends on your service history, location, income, and goals. There are more paths to homeownership than most people realize — and my job is to help you find yours.

Send me a message and let’s explore your options!
Sonny Smith
NMLS: 1969349
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc

06/15/2026

Seven seconds. That’s all it takes to make a first impression — and I’m not leaving mine to chance.

As someone who helps clients navigate the home buying and selling process every day, I knew I had to walk the walk when it came time to get my own home ready for the market.

Here’s what’s happening over the next couple weeks:

🔍 Pre-listing inspection — getting ahead of anything before buyers ever walk through the door
🪵 LVP flooring going in downstairs and in the bathrooms upstairs.
🏠 New carpet upstairs
🎨 Fresh paint throughout
🌿 Driveway and landscaping enhancements to nail that curb appeal
🌱 Spring grass came in nicely
First impressions can influence everything, especially when your home is hitting the market. Buyers often decide how they feel about a property within moments — which is exactly why I’m investing in preparation before the sign goes in the yard.

If you’re thinking about selling (or buying), I can connect you with trusted real estate professionals AND help you map out your financing strategy so both sides of your move go smoothly.

Send me a message and let’s connect!

Sonny Smith
NMLS: 1969349
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc

06/05/2026

Would you owe capital gains tax if you sold your home today?

The current exclusion is $250K for single filers and $500K for joint filers — but here’s the catch: those limits were set in 1997.

Since then, home prices have risen roughly 3.5x. The NAR estimates that more than 25 million homeowners now sit on gains above $250K, and over 8 million have gains exceeding $500K.

That’s a powerful incentive to stay put rather than sell — and it’s one more reason inventory remains tight even as demand stays strong.

Speaking of demand — the latest job market data tells an interesting story. Job openings are surprisingly high and home prices continue to climb. Here’s what the numbers say 👇

National news and local views for the week

05/24/2026

My Delaware friends… Contact Shana for more info on these properties.

Sonny Smith
NMLS: 1969349
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc
Your Home for Doctor Loans

05/22/2026

Housing Market in Salisbury and National data ~
New construction is coming to Salisbury. Village at Snowfield is leasing brand new 3-bed, 2.5-bath townhomes this Summer 2026 — open concept, smart home tech, private patios. Right off Route 50, close to Salisbury University and Downtown. That’s a solid option for people who aren’t ready to buy yet.

Rentals like this are good for the market. They give people a place to land while they get financially positioned to buy. Save up. Build credit. Get pre-approved. Then make your move.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Shore market itself? Still active. The Shore was the only region in the Mid-Atlantic to see sales growth to start 2026. Homes are taking a little longer to sell and prices have softened — which means buyers finally have some breathing room.

Renting for now? Cool. Let’s use that time to get you ready.
Ready to buy? This market is actually in your favor right now.

Either way, I got you. Let’s talk.

Sonny Smith | NMLS #1969349
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.
Licensed in MD & DE

National news and local views for the week

05/20/2026

05/17/2026

Final Day to get this $80,000 Price Reduction 🏡OPEN HOUSE ~ 12-2pm 🚨
Make plans to see this wonderful home today and talk with Bonnie and Tim with Patriot Properties Group about this incredible offer!!
I’ll be with them to answer any mortgage questions. I would recommend getting a step ahead of the competition and complete the non-binding prequalification application to make sure this home fits within your budget. https://sonnyloansmoney.com

Sonny Smith
NMLS: 1969349
Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc.
Your Home for Doctor Loans