The government recently published a report saying that many borrowers are paying too much for their home loans (over $13 billion too much). Typically, borrowers turn to their bank for a loan. It’s familiar, convenient and trustworthy. But, generally banks have a high cost for their brick and mortar locations. More and more smart borrowers look to professional mortgage brokers … Read More

We are well into the buying season for real estate. This usually starts in March and continues through September. Here in Southern California, with our warmer weather, we often see it last through November. I’m definitely seeing a pick-up in buyers looking for their first home. But, it’s a very tough market. There are too many buyers for too few … Read More

Some homes on the market have additions that have not been permitted with their city. Perhaps the addition was self-built or done with an unlicensed group. The addition is well-built and seems to meet code, but the homeowner didn’t want to go through the trouble and cost of having a city inspector come out and verify this, which would result … Read More

According to the L.A. Times, prices for homes climbed 7.1% in Los Angeles County in January compared to the prices in January 2016. The median priced home was $525,000. In Orange County prices only climbed 2.6% in the last year, but the median home is $635,000. The number of homes for sale is much lower than the number of families … Read More

With the April 18th personal tax return deadline just a few weeks away, the task of trying to get all of your information together in time may feel overwhelming or perhaps impossible. Fortunately, the IRS allows taxpayers to request a six-month filing extension, providing the request is received by the original filing deadline. However, while this may seem like a … Read More

(Excerpt from “Stay at 17 Inches” © 2016 Chris Sperry, Baseball/Life, LLC) Twenty-one years ago, in Nashville, Tennessee, during the first week of January, 1996, more than 4,000 baseball coaches descended upon the Opryland Hotel for the 52nd annual ABCA’s convention. While I waited in line to register with the hotel staff, I heard other more veteran coaches rumbling about … Read More

The large majority of homebuyers say that saving for a down payment is the biggest obstacle to their buying a home, according to a recent survey. Many buyers think they need to put 20% down to buy a new home. However, there are better options. Today you can buy a home for as little as 3% down, or in some … Read More

A number of clients have asked me about why the APR (annual percentage rate) differs from the Note Rate (the interest rate on the mortgage loan). The APR is an artificial rate that combines the interest rate on the loan with any loan fees. So, if you are paying fees for the loan, the APR will be higher than the … Read More

When you put money into remodeling or updating your home, you should consider the purpose of the upgrade. If it is to improve the value, updating kitchens and bathrooms are usually the areas where your money gives the most value. However, just because you have spent $50,000 on improvements, doesn’t mean your home is automatically worth $50,000 more. One man … Read More

Whether or not you are looking to finance your home, it is always a good idea to make sure your credit profile is as high as it can be. If you are shopping for a home, car or even want to get a low interest credit card, your credit profile is the key to getting the best rate and terms. … Read More