With home loan interest rates reaching all-time record lows in 2020, we saw demand dramatically increase beyond expectations. As a result, the Fresno area became one of the hottest housing markets in the western US. Furthermore, with housing inventories at historic lows, we had the perfect recipe for a tidal wave of home buying competition. […]
Mortgage Pre-Qualification Vs. Mortgage Pre-Approval
If you’re ready to turn your dreams of homeownership into reality, you’ve probably heard the terms “pre-qualification” and “pre-approval.” While you may be tempted to think of these as interchangeable in the home mortgage process, they are quite different. So, it’s important to understand how they differ before you get ahead of yourself in the […]
Budgeting for Home Ownership Costs
Although home ownership comes with some amazing benefits, there are a number of new responsibilities to be aware of and didn’t have to worry about as a renter. Unlike that rental property you were living in for years, there’s exterior and interior maintenance to be concerned with as well as homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, and […]
Debunking the Myths About Refinancing
If you’re looking at acquiring a home refinancing loan in central California’s San Joaquin Valley, you’ll probably be shocked to learn that there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Consequently, it’s important to know what you can expect when you’re refinancing your home. Get the Correct Facts on Refinance Furthermore, when it comes to home […]
4 Things Every First Time Homebuyer Needs To Do
Buying a home for the first time is not only a huge decision, it’s most likely one of the largest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. Although you may be anxious to have a place you can call your own, and it really is a good time to buy, be sure you take a long, […]
How do Mortgage Bankers Differ from Mortgage Brokers?
When you’re buying your first home, it’s important to find out how much you’ll be able to borrow from a lender. In the process of doing your research, you’ve come across two different and confusing terms, namely “mortgage bankers” and “mortgage brokers.” So how do they differ and more importantly, how can they help you […]
How 2020 is Impacting California Home Buying
What impact has 2020 had on our housing here in California? All in all, it looks like it may have had a positive impact. Despite all our current economic strangeness of the moment, historically low-interest rates seem to have propelled home buyers and homeowners alike to take advantage of rates that are extremely appealing right […]
What is Happening to Mortgage Rates in California as We Watch Unemployment Figures Rise?
We are living in crazy times. As we watch this week’s unemployment figures tack on another 3 million people filing this week alone and the Federal Reserve offering next-to-nothing interest rates for commercial lending and buying high-risk ETFs, you would think we are on the brink of a huge recession. And yet, when it comes […]
The Relationship Between the Federal Reserve and Mortgage Rates is Now Murkier than Usual
Anyone who had asked about mortgage interest rates’ relationship to the Fed rate would usually be told that the Federal Reserve rate had nothing to do with current mortgage rates. While that is technically true, the unprecedented moves by the Fed in the last few months have tied mortgage rates more inextricably to it. In […]
Mortgage Relief for California Families During COVID-19
Because of the recent situation with COVID-19, many homeowners are struggling with layoffs, social distancing and, consequently, an inability to pay their most basic bills, including their mortgage payments. For those who find themselves in this position, you may be covered under a forbearance program called the Cares Act. What Does the Cares Act Offer? […]
