Pros and Cons of Buying a House With a Friend

Buying a house with a friend or family member can put you on the fast track to homeownership. Together, you may be able to purchase a bigger home, move into a better location, or even buy an investment property for passive income. The hard part is finding the right friend. Homeownership requires financial stability and […]

Clear Benefits of a Reverse Mortgage

Homeowners across the west coast have been asking how they can maximize their home equity options, and reverse mortgages are becoming a popular topic. For the first time in a decade, many homeowners have more than 20% home equity. What’s more, while many have relocated over this past year, most homeowners over the age of […]

When is it Better to Use a Mortgage Broker?

Deciding to use a mortgage broker is a big decision and one that can save you a lot of money. Most people shop around for the lowest mortgage rate, which is a smart move. But it’s not always the best financial move. The truth is, your mortgage is a complex financial agreement that defines every […]

Financing an Investment Property, Part 2

How do I finance an investment property for the first time? Last week I offered a 5 step blueprint to help answer this question. Mortgage rates are still low and a lot of homeowners want to know the best way to access capital to expand their real estate portfolio. What’s more, new legislation in California […]

Buying a New Home? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions First

Mortgage interest rates are starting to inch upwards, and it’s difficult to know when they’ll start rising for good. If you’ve been thinking about buying a new home, now is a good time to take action before the holidays are in full swing. Traditionally, inventory dwindles during the winter months, so it can be difficult […]

How Much House Can I Afford Right Now?

One of the top questions I hear from clients is, “How much house can I afford right now based on my salary?” Usually, they tell me what they make and want to know how much house they can afford based on that criteria. But salary is only one part of the equation. To figure out […]

Get a Mortgage with 100% Financing for Medical Professionals

The medical professional home loan (aka physician loan or doctor loan) is built to help you qualify for a mortgage with 100% financing. That’s a zero-down payment, even with heavy student loan debt. You can even qualify before you’ve finished your residency once you have an employment offer pending. Physicians, medical professionals, and other healthcare […]

Making an All-Cash Offer: Should I Still Get a Mortgage?

So you’re in a bidding war, and you know your offer needs to stand out. For homebuyers who have the cash, making an all-cash offer can get you across the finish line and into your dream home fast. Making an all-cash offer removes the financing contingency and puts you in a competitive position. When sellers […]

5 Steps to Buying a Condo in 2021

Buying a condo for the first time can be a smart path to homeownership in 2021. Condos offer homeownership at a lower purchase price than single-family homes and a lot less maintenance. Buying a condo also offers community living, access to shared amenities such as fitness centers, pools, tennis courts, or parks. As a result, condos are […]

You Don’t Need 20% Down for a Good Mortgage

For many homeowners, saving money for a large down payment can take years. Add to that rising house prices and discouragement can set in, especially if house prices are rising faster than you can save. But you don’t need to put 20% down on a new home to get a good mortgage. In fact, putting […]