Home Buying Tips
Jeff & Mike Talk Solar
December 4, 2025 In this video, my friend and local realtor Michael Sandoval and I break down something we’re both getting tons of questions about lately…solar panels. We cover: • The 30% federal solar tax credit that expires on 12/31/25 • How to decide whether buying or leasing solar makes the most financial sense •…
Read MoreThe 50-Year Mortgage: Smart Move or Big Gamble?
November 18, 2025 As home prices continue to climb and affordability gets tighter, the idea of a 50-year mortgage has been floating around out there. Could stretching out the repayment term really make homeownership easier? Here’s a quick look at some of the upsides and downsides so you can decide whether it could make homeownership…
Read MoreToday’s Lesson: Why Mortgage Rates Don’t Always Follow The Fed
September 17, 2025 The Fed Just Cut Rates. Tell Me Again Why Mortgage Rates Didn’t Drop Too? The Federal Reserve lowered the Fed Funds Rate by 0.25% today. You might assume mortgage rates will fall by the same amount (which seems perfectly logical, btw). But here’s the twist- mortgage rates didn’t drop. In fact, they…
Read MoreTurn A Fixer Into Your Dream Home With An FHA 203k Loan
September 12, 2025 Love a Home But It Needs Repairs? Ever find a home in your dream neighborhood but see the “needs work” sign and think, “Nope, not for me”? If you’re an FHA buyer, there’s a way to make it happen. Enter the FHA 203k loan, a program designed to help buyers purchase homes…
Read MoreSure, You Can Afford That House…But Should You?
September 8, 2025 How Affordability Shapes Your Home Search Affordability isn’t just about what lenders say you can afford, it’s also about if that mortgage payment fits comfortably in your monthly budget. Your income, current rent, and existing debts all factor into determining a realistic mortgage payment that won’t strain your finances. Understanding Your Comfort…
Read MoreDTI Made Simple: What Debts Do Lenders Really Count?
September 8, 2025 What is a Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)? Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the number lenders use to determine how much house you can afford. It compares your monthly debts to your income and helps lenders evaluate your ability to manage mortgage payments. Every person’s DTI looks different, so it’s important to understand how…
Read MoreShould You Sell Your Car to Buy a House?
September 8, 2025 How Debt Affects Your Home Buying Power Your monthly debts directly impact how much house you can afford. Lenders consider your total debt obligations when determining your loan eligibility. Even small debts, like car payments or credit card balances, can reduce your purchasing power by tens of thousands of dollars. Understanding this…
Read MoreWhy Buying In The 2025 Housing Market May Be The Smartest Move
August 12, 2025 Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates Could Cost You While the 2025 Sacramento area housing market is similar to past markets, it’s also unique in today’s economic climate. Mortgage rates have remained steady this year, and although there are indications that we may see rates decrease, no one can say exactly when or…
Read MoreWhy Some Homes Still Have High Prices in a Slow Market (and Why They’re Not Selling)
August 11, 2025 It feels like a contradiction- sales have slowed down, yet asking prices in some neighborhoods are still sky-high. The truth? A lot of sellers locked in ultra-low mortgage rates in 2020–2021 and have been hesitant to move. But now, many have outgrown their homes and are testing the market… the problem is…
Read MoreYou’re In Contract…Now What?
August 9, 2025 You’ve found your dream home, made an offer, and got the offer accepted (Yay!). Now the real work begins. One of THE most important steps is scheduling the right inspections to protect your investment and avoid costly surprises. I recently sat down with local realtor Geanne Pack to talk about the importance…
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