Mortgage Planning
How to Prepare to Buy a Home in 12–24 Months: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers
February 16, 2026 Buying a home is exciting, but jumping in without a plan can lead to surprises. If you’re thinking about buying in the next 12–24 months, now’s the time to set your foundation. From budgeting to saving, these steps will help you feel confident and ready when the time comes. Review Your Personal…
Read MoreThe 2026 Housing Market Is Waking Up. Are You Ready?
January 20, 2026 Momentum Is Building in the 2026 Housing Market As 2026 gets underway, one thing is already clear: the real estate market is not standing still. In a recent conversation with local realtor partner Jeanine Schulz, we discussed how the market has a certain momentum you can almost feel. When that energy starts…
Read MoreWhat Does 2026 Hold For the Sacramento Area Real Estate Market?
January 9, 2026 Sacramento Housing Market Outlook for 2026 As we look ahead to 2026, many buyers and sellers are asking the same question: What is the Sacramento housing market going to do next? In a recent conversation with my local real estate partner, Michael Sandoval, we shared our thoughts on where the market appears…
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 MoreHow (and Why) the Federal Reserve Sets Interest Rates
August 22, 2025 The Fed’s Dual Mandate The Federal Reserve has two main goals they shoot for to keep the U.S. economy humming along: Keep inflation near 2% Maintain maximum employment (as long as it doesn’t push inflation above that 2% target) The federal funds rate is the Fed’s primary tool for managing both of…
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