As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Truflation is a blockchain-based (non-government) platform that provides real-time price analyses based on thousands of products, and many consider it much more accurate than the government’s PCE and CPI reports. Truflation was 1.2% in January, but it has recently fallen to an […]

The average mortgage rate per Mortgage News Daily is around 6.1% as of Tuesday, Feb 10th (I am typing this blog early because I will be traveling). In December (when the average rate was close to 6.3%), I predicted that rates would drop to 5.5% this year, and I am sticking to it. And – if they do drop that much, the […]

This is probably one of those many stories I shouldn’t tell – but I will anyway. My friend in high school had a very cool Datsun (now Nissan) 260Z that everyone admired. My friend and I were out one weekend evening, and he misjudged a light and ended up running a red. A cop unfortunately saw us from about a half […]

California and Texas sit on opposite ends of the first-time homebuyer spectrum. California offers strong appreciation potential and lifestyle perks but requires higher incomes and savings, while Texas delivers affordability, space, and easier entry into homeownership. This comparison breaks down home prices, income […]

One of our best agents, who gets my blog but clearly does not read it 😊, asked yesterday if we have Home Equity Lines (HELOCS) for self-employed borrowers who cannot document income with tax returns or paystubs. Our answer of course was a resounding “yes.” More importantly though, it made for great blog fodder, […]

Nashville’s housing market has cooled from its peak, giving first-time buyers better opportunities in 2026. With entry-level homes around $350,000–$400,000, increasing inventory, and strong state and local assistance programs, buyers now have more leverage and options. This guide breaks down Nashville market […]

Chicago remains one of the most accessible major metros for first-time homebuyers in 2026. With relatively affordable prices, below-average mortgage rates, and strong state assistance programs, buyers can enter the market with minimal upfront cash. This guide covers current Chicago market conditions, realistic buying […]

San Antonio is one of the most affordable major metros in Texas for first-time homebuyers in 2026. With stable prices, balanced inventory, and powerful local and state assistance programs, buyers can purchase homes with minimal upfront costs. This guide explains current market conditions, realistic price scenarios, […]

In 2020, the countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan went to war - and Azerbaijan mopped the floor with Armenia in a little over a month. What made the war so fascinating (and actually less tragic than it would have otherwise been) was the fact that it was the first “drone war,” and it was something nobody saw coming. […]

There is a beautiful park near my CA home where a six to ten boomers show up every morning at 7 AM to let their dogs run. I’ve gotten to know them well over the years – and this is what is the most interesting. ALL of them bought their homes in the 1990s or early 2000s for anywhere from $400,000 to $900,000 – […]