▶ VideoIf you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures skyrocketing across the country, you might think the housing market is heading toward another crash. But as with most clickbait headlines, the reality is far less dramatic. The data does show an increase in foreclosure activity — but from historically record-low levels. During the COVID-19 moratorium, foreclosures dropped to nearly zero. As the…
▶ VideoIf you’ve been out house-hunting in Southern California or Washington, you’ve probably noticed that new home builders are pulling out all the stops — and one of the biggest hooks right now is “insanely low interest rates.” Sounds great, right? Well, it’s worth digging deeper. These builder incentives are smart marketing — instead of reducing the sales price, builders…
▶ VideoWhen the federal government shuts down, many assume it only impacts federal employees. But if you’re in the middle of buying or selling a home, it can quickly spill into the housing market—especially for loans that rely on government agencies. Here’s what you need to know: FHA, VA, and USDA Loans May Be Delayed These…
▶ VideoIf you’re a homeowner in Southern California or Washington, chances are you locked in a fantastic mortgage rate at 2% or 3% over the past few years. That’s great news—until you find yourself juggling credit card balances, car loans, or personal debt. Refinancing might feel like the only option, but who wants to give up…
▶ VideoThe Federal Reserve just announced a quarter-point interest rate cut—but what does that actually mean for the housing market and mortgage rates in Southern California and Washington State? First, it’s important to clear up a common misconception: the Fed does not directly control mortgage rates. Instead, the Fed adjusts the short end of the yield curve (think overnight lending…
▶ VideoThis week brings both personal joy and important updates for the housing and mortgage markets across Southern California and Washington. On a personal note, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been promoted to the best title yet: Grandpa! Our daughter Lexi and her husband Bailey recently welcomed baby Parker Madison, and the joy of becoming…
▶ VideoIn today’s fast-paced world, mortgage fraud isn’t limited to loan applications. A growing number of homeowners across Southern California and Washington are being targeted by fraudulent phone calls that look—and sound—legitimate. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They can make their caller ID appear as though the call is coming directly from your bank or mortgage…
▶ VideoWhen news breaks that a Federal Reserve Governor is being accused of mortgage fraud, it grabs attention fast. Reports suggest she may have taken out two mortgages simultaneously, each claiming to be for a primary residence. If true, that’s a big no-no in the mortgage world. As someone who has been in lending for over…
▶ VideoMortgage rates just hit a four-month low—and the reason might surprise you. A surprisingly weak jobs report last Friday, including downward revisions of over 260,000 jobs from the previous two months, sent a clear signal to markets: the economy may be cooling. And while that’s not great for job growth, it is good for mortgage…
▶ VideoThe Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates steady again this week—disappointing to many, especially those in the housing and mortgage world. But is the decision really that surprising? In this week’s update, Bill from Franklin Loan Center breaks down the logic behind the Fed’s move. Despite political pressure from the White House and growing…
▶ VideoThe U.S. just finalized a major trade agreement with Japan, one of our largest global trading partners. Naturally, the financial markets took notice… or did they?Despite the significance of the deal, which included tariff updates and potential shifts in trade revenue, the bond market—the one that actually drives mortgage rates—barely flinched. In fact, rates ticked…
▶ VideoThe internet is filled with advice—some good, some bad, and some downright dangerous. When it comes to something as significant as buying a home, acting on bad information can cost you big time. In this week’s video, I dive into some of the worst real estate advice I’ve seen online, from TikTok myths to credit…
