246 articles and videos on mortgage rates, the housing market and smart home financing, in plain English.
▶ VideoA major misconception continues to keep prospective homebuyers stuck on the sidelines: the belief that you must have a 20% down payment to buy a home. While it is true that putting 20% down allows you to avoid paying mortgage insurance, sitting out of the market just to save up that lump sum might be…
▶ VideoThe financial markets have been on a roller coaster over the last few months, and today brought another wave of breaking economic news. The Federal Reserve released the meeting minutes from their late-April session, pulling back the curtain on where interest rates may be headed next. For anyone currently shopping for a home or keeping…
▶ VideoThe blue and orange gear is out! This week, our family is heading up to Boise State University to watch our youngest daughter, Makenna, walk across the stage. It’s a huge milestone for any parent—the final kid getting their degree and officially entering the workforce. However, the bigger story isn’t just the graduation; it’s how…
▶ VideoIn the current financial landscape, many prospective homeowners and investors are looking at the numbers and feeling a bit of “analysis paralysis.” It’s a perfectly reasonable question: Why would I put my hard-earned money into a real estate market where I might see a 3% return, when I can park that same money in an index…
▶ VideoFor many homeowners, the greatest asset they’ve built over their lifetime is the equity in their home. However, as you enter retirement, that equity can feel “locked away” unless you sell the property. The good news? You don’t have to move to benefit from the wealth you’ve built. Understanding Your Equity Options Throughout my career…
▶ VideoEverybody is looking for a break, and nothing sounds better to a homeowner than getting rid of property taxes. Recently, the conversation has shifted from a “what if” to a political talking point, with states like Florida exploring the total elimination of property tax. The logic is simple: “You bought the property; it should be…
▶ VideoUnderstanding the Recent Rate “Bump” If you’ve been watching the news lately, you know the world is in a volatile state. This global uncertainty has a direct line to your wallet—specifically through oil prices. When oil goes up, inflation fears follow. Because the bond market is sensitive to inflation, we’ve seen a recent “bump” in mortgage…
▶ VideoOne of the biggest conversations happening right now across the Southern California housing market and even for those relocating to Washington State is simple: “Why would I buy when the payment is so much higher than rent?” It’s a fair question—and one I hear every single week. The Reality: Monthly Payment Shock Let’s break it down with a real-world…
▶ VideoIf you’ve been watching the Southern California housing market lately—or even keeping an eye on trends while relocating to Washington state—you may have noticed something unusual happening behind the scenes. “Coming Soon” listings are getting a lot more attention… and a lot more complicated. What’s Changing? Historically, the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) has been the central hub for…
▶ VideoA recent article titled “The Disappearing American Mortgage” suggests something concerning: younger and working-class Americans may be stepping away from homeownership altogether. At first glance, that might not seem surprising. Between rising home prices and higher interest rates, affordability has become a major topic across the Southern California housing market and even in areas where many Californians are relocating,…
▶ VideoWith ongoing global uncertainty and headlines focused on instability in the Middle East, investors are once again talking about a “flight to safety.” Historically, that conversation almost always includes one word: gold. And yes, gold has been on a serious run since early 2024. But here’s the bigger question for homebuyers, investors, and homeowners across…
▶ VideoThe most common reverse mortgage program is the Federal Housing Administration-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). Instead of making a monthly mortgage payment, qualified homeowners (62+) can: (*Borrowers must still pay property taxes, insurance, and maintain the home.**Consult a tax professional.) 1️⃣ Payment Relief for Fixed-Income Homeowners For many retirees, the primary benefit is simple: cash flow relief.…
