246 articles and videos on mortgage rates, the housing market and smart home financing, in plain English.
▶ VideoWhen shopping for a mortgage, almost every buyer starts with the exact same question: “What is your lowest interest rate?” It seems logical. A lower interest rate means a lower monthly payment, right? While that is true on the surface, focusing solely on getting the absolute lowest rate can actually end up costing you thousands of…
▶ VideoIt is a well-known financial reality: the ultra-wealthy often avoid heavy tax liabilities by borrowing against their assets rather than liquidating them or taking standard taxable income. Loans generally aren’t taxable events, making asset-backed borrowing a powerful tool for building and preserving wealth. For the majority of Americans, their primary home or real estate portfolio…
▶ VideoIf you’ve shopped for a new construction home over the past few years, you’ve almost certainly seen the headlines: “3-2-1 Buydown Available!” or “Get a 5% Interest Rate with Our Preferred Lender!” On the surface, it sounds like an unbeatable deal. In a market where standard interest rates remain elevated, having a builder step in to buy down…
▶ VideoWhether it is a career change, a lifestyle shift, or moving closer to family after college graduation, Americans are on the move. When preparing for a major relocation or purchasing an out-of-state property, one critical question often gets overlooked: Who is handling your mortgage? Many buyers assume they are forced to use an unfamiliar online lender…
▶ VideoIf you pay attention to the national headlines, you have probably heard a lot of doom and gloom about the housing market. High interest rates and creeping home prices have made many potential buyers hesitant to jump in. However, there is a dynamic unfolding right now that most people are completely overlooking: housing inventory is…
▶ VideoIn my nearly 30 years in the mortgage and lending industry, I have heard just about every myth in the book. But there is one particular strategy being repeated right now that deserves a serious reality check: “I am going to wait for interest rates to fall before I jump into the housing market.” On the…
▶ VideoThe 4th of July weekend is finally here, and it is a historic one. This year, our nation is celebrating a massive milestone—250 years of the United States. It is a moment for reflection, celebration, and of course, some well-deserved time off with family, friends, and neighbors. But if we are being completely honest, it…
▶ VideoThe real estate market this year has felt a bit like a rollercoaster. We started the year with strong momentum and rates heading in an encouraging direction, only to face sudden volatility driven by global events and geopolitical tensions. For months, uncertainty kept interest rates elevated, leaving many prospective homebuyers and homeowners wondering when they…
Ready to talk about your Reverse Mortgage options? Click Here to Learn More If staying home is the goal, the equity you’ve built can help pay for care, comfort, and peace of mind, all without selling or having a monthly mortgage payment. You’ve spent decades taking care of your home. The mortgage payments made on…
▶ VideoFor many long-term California homeowners, the house you raised your children in eventually becomes an “empty nest” that is simply too large or demanding to maintain. Naturally, entering your retirement years brings up the desire to downsize into something more manageable. Historically, however, California seniors faced a major financial roadblock: the property tax shock. Thanks…
▶ VideoAs a mortgage professional, my days are usually spent helping people achieve the dream of homeownership. I love walking clients through the process, looking at numbers, and handing over the keys to a new property. But today, I’m going to do the exact opposite of what you’d expect: I’m going to give you three excellent…
▶ VideoIf you recently became a homeowner in California, you’ve likely navigated the rollercoaster of inspections, down payments, and closing costs. But about six months after you get your keys, a new piece of mail often arrives: a Supplemental Property Tax Bill. For many, this is a moment of panic. Is this a mistake? Did I forget…
