Resources
Mortgage guides, explainers, and industry updates.
Latest
Price, Rate, and Tax: The Real Cost of a Home Across Our Four States
Two homes with the same sticker price in different states can carry very different monthly costs. Here's how price, mortgage rate, and property tax combine to determine what you actually pay — across California, Colorado, Oregon, and Texas.
2026 FHA Loan Limits: What Changed and What It Means
HUD's 2026 FHA loan limits: $541,287 floor, $1,249,125 ceiling. What they mean if you're buying or refinancing with FHA this year.
Consumer Confidence Is Dropping — What Homebuyers Are Actually Saying
Consumer confidence has dropped sharply, and the CEO of one of the largest homebuilders in the country says buyers are in "wait and see" mode. Here's what the data is telling us, and what it means if you're in the market.
Texas Housing: Why It's More Affordable Than Other States
Texas doesn't have cheaper construction than California — it has a different system for financing land development. Here's how MUD bonds work, and why they keep Texas housing prices down.
Credit Cycle Beginning — What It Means for Mortgages
Private credit funds are seeing redemption spikes. Big banks are pulling back on small-business lending. Steve Eisman thinks a credit cycle is beginning. Here's what it means if you're buying, refinancing, or renewing a mortgage.
Why Builders Can Offer Lower Rates Than Banks
New homebuilders are advertising rates a full point below the market. It's not a trick — but it's not free, either. Here's how builder rate buydowns actually work.
The $150,000 Fee That Adds Nothing to Your Home
In California, builders pay $100,000 to $150,000 in regulatory fees per lot before construction starts. Here's what that money pays for, and why it shows up in your mortgage.
Why War Doesn't Always Help Mortgage Rates
War usually means lower rates — unless it causes inflation. The Iran conflict is a real-time example of how geopolitics can push mortgage rates higher, not lower.
Essentials
How Mortgage Pricing Works
What drives your rate, how points and credits work, and how to tell if you’re getting a good deal.
Points vs. Lender Credits
Should you pay points for a lower rate or take lender credits for lower closing costs? Here’s how to decide.
What Are Closing Costs?
Three different categories lumped together. Learn the difference between loan costs, third-party fees, and prepaids.
The Breakeven Math on Points
Most borrowers never recoup the cost of paying points. Here’s the simple math that shows when it’s worth it.
How to Tell If Your Rate Is a Good Deal
The mortgage industry makes it hard to comparison shop on purpose. Here’s why and what to watch for.
How to Structure a Refinance
Four strategies — from no-cost to buying the rate down — and how the cash flow actually works.
Reverse Mortgages Explained
Not a last resort. A financial tool with use cases most people never hear about. Income qualifying, interest-only, five use cases.
How NetRate Charges Less
No TV ads. No cold calls. No haggling. How the direct mortgage model keeps overhead low and passes savings to you.
HELOC vs Cash-Out Refinance
Two ways to access equity. One keeps your rate. One replaces it. How to figure out which is right.
When Does a Refinance Make Sense?
The breakeven math, the cost of waiting, and how long you’ll keep the loan. Three questions that decide it.
Can You Use Crypto to Qualify for a Mortgage?
Down payment, reserves, asset depletion — how cryptocurrency works across conventional, government, and non-QM loans.
Can You Finance an Airbnb?
DSCR loans qualify on rental income — no W-2s, no tax returns. How it works for short-term rental properties.
Industry Updates
A Rule That Was Blocking Your Condo Loan Just Changed
Fannie Mae retired the 50% investor concentration limit. Buildings that were blocked from conventional financing are back on the table.
How to Access Your Home Equity Without Losing Your Low Rate
A HELOC or second lien lets you tap equity without touching your 3% first mortgage. The blended math usually wins.
Have an ADU? You Can Now Use That Rental Income to Qualify
Fannie Mae now allows rental income from your ADU to count toward mortgage qualifying. New rule effective March 2026.
California: More Housing Near Transit, Easier Condo Financing
SB 79 opens transit-oriented development. Fannie Mae relaxes condo rules. Two shifts working in the same direction.