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
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
We all know the value of a home inspection when someone buys a house. But here’s something we don’t emphasize nearly enough:
They should happen every 5 years throughout ownership.
And when we
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
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:
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 IRS
Here’s
(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
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
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
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
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:
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