If you’ve been watching the real estate market in San Jose lately, you’ve probably noticed something confusing: Some homes sell in a week with multiple offers…
while others sit for 30+ days with price reductions.
So which market are we … Read the rest
“My neighbor got a 5.75% rate—why is mine higher?”
If you’ve been thinking about buying or refinancing, you’ve probably heard this before:
“My neighbor just locked in a 5.75% rate…”
And your first thought is: “Then why am I being
I frequently post mortgage market updates and several people have asked me what is the UMBS that they see posted.
When you look at daily mortgage market updates like those from Mortgage News Daily you’ll often see a mix of … Read the rest
The ongoing conflict in Iran is driving the mortgage market right now. Since mortgage rates follow the bond market, anything big happening globally like war will move rates quickly.
Normally, uncertainty (like war) helps lower rates. Investors tend to … Read the rest
If you’ve ever wondered “how does a reverse mortgage actually pay me?” you’re definitely not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get, and honestly, it’s where a lot of the confusion starts. So let’s break it … Read the rest
If you’re exploring home financing options as a senior homeowner, you have noticed that reverse mortgages carry higher interest rates than standard mortgages. Here are 5 reasons the rates are higher.
Unlike traditional … Read the rest
If you’re a homeowner with a low mortgage rate, but also facing a tough decision if you need cash. Many people automatically think refinancing is the next step, but in today’s rate environment, that move can be far more expensive … Read the rest
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
(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