How New Tariffs Are Shaping Mortgage Rates – And What It Means for Homebuyers
In today’s unpredictable economic climate, homebuyers face more than just competition and high prices—they’re also feeling the ripple effects of national trade policy. One of the more unexpected shifts this spring? A spike in mortgage rates, driven in part by newly proposed tariffs from the Trump administration. If you’re thinking about buying a home or […]
Mortgage Rates Are Dropping – Is Now the Time to Refinance?
Homeowners are seizing a major opportunity as mortgage rates continue to decline, fueling a surge in refinancing activity. With rates reaching their lowest levels in months, now could be the perfect time for homeowners to lower their monthly payments and save thousands over the life of their loans. Why Are Refinances on the Rise? Recent […]
What Happens to Your Mortgage If Your Home Is Destroyed in a Fire or Natural Disaster?
The devastation caused by natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes can leave homeowners grappling with countless questions, one of which is: What happens to my mortgage if my home is destroyed? Understanding how your mortgage works in such a scenario—and your obligations as a borrower—can help you navigate the difficult aftermath of a disaster. […]
Property Tax Disaster Relief: Important Information for California Property Owners
If your property has been impacted by a major calamity such as an earthquake, fire, or flood, you may qualify for property tax relief under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 170. This program is designed to help property owners whose homes or buildings have been significantly damaged or destroyed by natural disasters. How Property […]
Southern California Housing Market Update: September 2024 Highlights
As we close in on the end of 2024, Southern California’s housing market has shown resilience, with steady price increases despite a slight dip in home sales volume. According to CoreLogic’s latest data for September 2024, the median sales price for all residential properties across the six counties in Southern California reached $765,000, marking a […]
New Legislation: Medical Collections No Longer Impact Credit Reports
Effective January 1, 2025, a significant change in California’s credit reporting landscape will take effect, as Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill prohibiting medical collections from being factored into credit reports. This legislation aims to alleviate the burden of medical debt on consumers and facilitate greater access to credit, particularly for those whose purchasing opportunities […]
New Legislation Aims to Streamline Homebuyer Contracts
In a significant move aimed at protecting homebuyers in California, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill limiting residential purchase agreements to three months. This new legislation seeks to enhance transparency and reduce the pressure on buyers in a competitive real estate market. Previously, homebuyer contracts often extended for longer periods, leading to uncertainties and […]
Mortgage Rate Drop Sparks a Wave of Refinancing Activity
In a significant turn of events, the recent drop in mortgage rates has triggered a surge in refinancing applications across the United States. Homeowners are seizing the opportunity to lock in lower interest rates, leading to a refinancing boom that could have lasting impacts on the housing market and broader economy. The Catalyst: A Dip […]
Significant Changes Ahead for Realtors: Insights from the Recent NAR Settlement
In a landmark settlement that could reshape the real estate landscape, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has agreed to make substantial changes in response to a class-action lawsuit. This decision marks a pivotal moment for real estate professionals and industry practices nationwide. Overview of the Settlement The settlement, announced on August 17, 2024, resolves […]
The Cost to Own a Home Is Rising Again in 2024
Achieving home ownership is a goal for millions of Americans, but it’s become increasingly expensive to purchase a home in the United States due to a lingering combination of low inventory, inflation, and serious competition. Prices have skyrocketed in the past few years in real estate hotspots like California, with the California Association of Realtors […]