The U.S. Men’s Hockey Team won the gold medal yesterday for the first time in 46 years. And what really frustrated me was how EVERYONE missed the obvious implications this has for the mortgage market. Hat tip to the U.S. women as well, who also took home gold. But A) They’ve won gold a bunch now, and B) I don’t […]

Second home mortgage rates in 2026 typically run slightly higher than primary residence rates, but the premium is often smaller than buyers expect. This guide explains how second home rates compare to primary and investment property loans, current qualification requirements, down payment rules, reserve guidelines, and […]

Almost nothing impacts interest rates as much as inflation. This is because bond investors (who control interest rates) demand higher yields (rates) when inflation runs hotter. Agents and mortgage lenders alike should care about inflation because lower rates drive homebuying demand – something we saw take place […]

Mortgage insurance premium (MIP) is required on all FHA loans, but the cost and timeline depend on your down payment and loan term. This 2026 guide explains upfront and annual MIP rates, how much you’ll pay per month, how long MIP lasts, and the most effective ways to remove it — including refinancing strategies […]

School district lines in Contra Costa County don’t always match city boundaries, and that detail can significantly impact both your child’s education and your home’s long-term value. A Pleasant Hill address might route to Acalanes High in Lafayette. A Martinez home could feed into Pleasant Hill schools. A Walnut […]

Comparing schools in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, and Concord? This guide breaks down elementary, middle, and high school performance across all four cities, including Northgate, Las Lomas, Acalanes, Clayton Valley Charter, College Park, and Alhambra. Learn how district boundaries impact your child’s […]

Pending home sales plummeted in January, coming in well below expectations. The “crash bros” and “bitter-ati” were gleeful… telling us everyone who would listen that the housing market had finally died. But – this time we really can blame the weather, as America experienced one of the worst winter storms […]

Thinking about buying a home in Martinez? This guide breaks down Martinez Unified School District performance, highlights top-rated schools like Morello Park Elementary and Alhambra High, and explains the critical cross-district boundary detail that can change your child’s school path. Learn how Martinez compares to […]

Pleasant Hill offers above-average public schools, but your exact address determines far more than most buyers realize. Most neighborhoods fall within Mt. Diablo Unified and feed into College Park High School, a strong and well-regarded campus. However, select areas route to the Acalanes Union High School District, […]

It’s amazing to see how much down payment risk lenders will take when they know a borrower will earn a lot of money… I often blog about the biggest reason borrowers walk away from their mortgages: a lack of equity, resulting from price drops and/or too little down (it’s not high payments, like the media will […]