If you own a home in Marin County and are considering refinancing, the first question should not simply be, “What is today’s refinance rate?” The better question is: What do I want the refinance to accomplish? A refinance can potentially lower your interest rate or monthly payment, change the term of your mortgage, remove mortgage insurance, convert an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed-rate loan, consolidate debt, or allow you to access some of the equity in your home.

If you're financing an investment property in California, the best mortgage isn't necessarily the loan with the lowest advertised rate. It's the loan that fits the way you actually invest. A W-2 borrower purchasing a first rental property may be a great fit for conventional financing. An experienced investor with multiple properties may care more about whether the property cash flow qualifies than what appears on personal tax returns. A self-employed investor may need