The 10-Year Treasury isn’t the only thing that drives mortgage rates but it’s a big one. If the Fed signals that inflation is under control, lenders might tighten the spread over the 10-Year Treasury, which could mean lower rates for
Think Reverse Mortgages Start at 62? Not Always
Most older homeowners know about the Reverse Mortgage Loan, but many still do not know about the Reverse Second Mortgage Loan.
I have completed several of these loans, and in all cases the clients were in their 70s. The traditional … Read the rest
Will a Reverse Mortgage Eat Your Equity?
The idea that a reverse mortgage will automatically “eat up all the equity” in a home is one of the most common misconceptions I hear. As this example shows, even with an interest rate of 8.95% and no payments being … Read the rest
Mortgage Rates 101: What It Would Take to Hit 5.99%
A Hot Stock Market Isn’t Great for Mortgage Rates
This past year has been great for stocks, with markets climbing higher and investor confidence staying strong. While that kind of momentum is welcome news for portfolios and retirement accounts, it can have unintended consequences in other areas of the
Home inspections shouldn’t only happen at purchase.
We all know the value of a home inspection when someone buys a house. But here’s something we don’t emphasize nearly enough:
Home inspections shouldn’t only happen at purchase.
They should happen every 5 years throughout ownership.
And when we
Why the Interest Rate You’re Advertised May not be the Rate You Get
Every lender has seen this happen.
A loan is fully approved. The terms are solid. The borrower is comfortable.
Then — a shiny email arrives advertising a rate that looks better.
Cue the phone call.
Here’s the part consumers
Why Refinancing in California Takes Longer
Refinancing in California usually takes longer than in other states—and that’s by design. California has strong consumer protection laws that add required steps, including:
- Mandatory disclosures
- Detailed underwriting
- Appraisal and title review
- Trust documentation (common in CA)
- A required 3-business-day
California Mortgage Disclosures: What You’ll Receive (and Why
Buying or refinancing a home in California comes with a lot of disclosures. That’s normal—and required. California has strong consumer protection laws, which means lenders must explain the loan clearly and in writing at several points during the process.
How
Depreciation Made Simple for First-Time Rental Owners
A customer asked me to send a simple explanation of depreciation for a rental purchase. Here is what I sent.
One of the biggest “hidden benefits” in buying a rental property is depreciation. Depreciation is a tax deduction the
First-Time Landlord? Consider Hiring a Property Management Company
Here’s
The $80,000 Skylight
(A Home Improvement Cautionary Tale)
Years ago, I was standing in my kitchen, looked into the family room, and had a realization no homeowner wants to have: “A guy could be standing in there and I wouldn’t even see him.” … Read the rest
Turned Down Twice—Approved in 30 Seconds
Sometimes, things just go perfectly.
Today, a Realtor I hadn’t seen in quite a while stopped by the office right at noon. He told me he was in contract representing a buyer—and that his client had already been turned down … Read the rest
Realtor vs. Lender
Why Having Someone Who Can Be Both Can Really Help I talk with a lot of homeowners and buyers, and one question comes up all the time: “What’s the difference between my Realtor and my lender… and why do I … Read the rest
Contractor vs. Handyman in California: What Homeowners Should Know
In California, there is an important legal and practical difference between hiring a licensed contractor and a handyman for residential work. Homeowners are often surprised to learn that choosing the wrong one can create liability issues, permit problems, and resale … Read the rest