Even though I have been a lender for more than 50 years, I can’t approve every loan or win every rate battle — no one can. But here’s what I can do, every single time:
- Listen fully — with all
Importance of Really Good Credit
I’ve been involved in credit and lending since 1968, and at one point I even taught an 8th-grade class on financial and credit management. Over the years, one thing has remained constant: maintaining strong credit is essential for long-term financial … Read the rest
The Refinance Process: What Homeowners Need to Know
Refinancing a mortgage can lower your monthly payment, shorten your loan term, or help you access cash for improvements and other needs. But before a lender can approve a refinance, there is a clear workflow every loan officer follows. Understanding … Read the rest
Mortgage Loan turn downs – sometimes nobody knows why
More than 35 years ago I was working on a refinance cash-out mortgage loan for a friend. The loan was only for $50,000 and the credit was excellent (no credit score in those days), The debt ratio was 28/32 (we
2025 Reverse Mortgage Income Myths in California Busted: What Really Counts & What Doesn’t
Introduction
If you’re over 62 and own a home in California, chances are the phrase “reverse mortgage” stirs up a mix of curiosity and unease. Maybe you’ve heard whispers: “You won’t qualify unless your income is high,” or “If you … Read the rest
Having Income is Required for a Revere Mortgage Loan
If you’re considering a reverse mortgage in California, it’s important to understand the “hidden income test” — the financial assessment lenders use to ensure you can sustain your home long-term. While reverse mortgages don’t require monthly payments, borrowers must still … Read the rest
Kate S.
I have had the pleasure of working with Fabian Cantu for several years now. He helped me to refinance and get great deals on loans for several properties. He is very professional, thorough and trustworthy!… Read the rest
Mary Jo testimonial for Heather Kulp
Heather Kulp deserves a 10! Not only because that is her level of professionalism and “can do attitude” even when things seems impossible but because she made true magic with our bridge loan. Two loans in one, that had every … Read the rest
Buyers: Get Ready to Buy
I tell those who ask about buying in San Jose that now is not the time to buy; but, get ready. It seems like this economic misery has been with us forever but it has only been a short while … Read the rest
Buy Out of The Area
I am not a fan of San Jose Real Estate prices. As with many large cities the home prices can be way too expensive for most and buying a home seems unreachable.
Years ago I lived and worked in Orange … Read the rest
If interest rates are high – why are home prices staying high
Interest rates and home prices are in many ways tied together. When rates go down so many times the home prices go up and when rates climb the home prices will go down. That was not the case when we
When is it a good time to buy ? California
A customer sent me an email asking when is it a good time to buy. Instead of re-writing the contents here is the email I sent to him.
I will have a funny answer. The answer is always “Buy Now”
… Read the rest
How is the Interest Rate Determined ?
Well, for an individual buyer the rate is determined by a lot of factors: primary home or investment home, loan size, Loan to Value, credit score, credit history, debt ratio, type of income, job history, job stability, w-2 or 1099 … Read the rest
The Wall Street Journal today has a front page article Fed Hikes Don’t Go Far Enough For Some Investors.
The Wall Street Journal today has a front page article Fed Hikes Don’t Go Far Enough For Some Investors. In the article there is a quote from an analyst “When you’re looking at where deals are pricing, it is simply … Read the rest
3 Questions That Home Buyers Should Ask a Realtor
If you feel like rent is burning a hole in your pocket, it may be high time to jump into the real estate market and buy your first home. The problem is that signing away your life’s savings for a … Read the rest