Blog

 

Should you buy down your interest rate using discount points?

When you’re starting the process of applying for a mortgage loan, there are a lot of things to focus on, including the interest rate, fees, and whether you want a fixed rate or adjustable loan. But one option on the table that may save some borrowers a lot of money is buying down the rate. […]

Highlighting the top-rated schools in the Sacramento area

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” -Benjamin Franklin No matter who you are or where you live, one of your biggest concerns is probably making sure that your children receive a fantastic education. Thankfully, there are some great schools in the greater Sacramento region, with some that even garner national recognition. If you’re […]

10 Tips for Realtors web copy that attracts clients and drives sales

Every Realtor needs a website, and yet few put much time and effort into writing theirs. However, a good website with well-written copy will perform critical functions that could lead to closed sales. Those include telling potential customers what you’re offering, why you are different (better!) than the competition, and give them an easy way […]

If you want the best mortgage, don’t make these 10 credit score mistakes!

Mortgage interest rates are still near historical lows, but with gradual Fed increases right on the horizon, it’s more important than ever to maintain a great credit score. In fact, keeping a top FICO score can save you tens of thousands – if not hundreds of thousands – of dollars over the life of the […]

Rising premiums, record claims, and sinkholes; highlights from the homeowner’s insurance industry

Insurance is one thing most of us have, yet we rarely think about – until we really need it. Homeowners have a lot on the line if their home floods, a break-in occurs, or someone slips and falls on their property, so insurance is something we should take seriously. Here are some highlights of the […]

15 Fun mortgage and real estate facts!

  1. The lowest mortgage rates in US history occurred in November 2012, when the average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rate was only 3.31%. At that same time, rates for 15-year fixed loans fell below the 3% mark. 2. What about the highest mortgage rates in US history? In the history of our modern rate […]
Posted on
Posted in Blog

New Dirt – A profile on the biggest new homebuilders in America

Home buyers have a lot of choose from, but one great option we don’t talk about enough is buying a newly constructed home. While Sacramento lags behind the rest of the country in new home construction, there still are some great new projects breaking ground. So we decided to bring you a brief profile on […]

What’s the average mortgage interest rate over time?

Some of us in the mortgage business, like myself, track interest rates every day or even every hour. Others, like most consumers, only hear about rates climbing or falling second-hand, on the news or in the newspaper. Even more homeowners pay close attention to the interest rate environment only when it’s time for them to […]

7 Ways to prepare to before buying a house

Are you thinking about buying a home? Whether it’s your first time, you’re targeting your dream home, or downsizing for retirement, purchasing a home can be a fast-moving and overwhelming process. However, it’s one that’s critical you get right, with hundreds of thousands of dollars (and your daily living conditions!) on the line. The good […]

The top things that Americans spend (and waste) money on.

Are you still a renter instead of owning a home because you think you can’t afford the down payment? Are you trying to buy your first house, a vacation home, or even invest in real estate but you can’t seem to put together the cash? Or do you own, but would love to try and […]
Posted on
Posted in Blog