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Home Loan News..


Will Rates Drop Again This Year? Here's What the Data Says.
This week, we locked 12 refinance loans for clients who had been waiting for the right moment — and they got it. But one question keeps...

Michael Belfor
3 days ago3 min read


It’s August — and the Market’s Already Setting Up for a September Shift
We’re barely into August, but the tone of the market has already changed. Last week’s data dropped a few hints — nothing dramatic, but...

Michael Belfor
6 days ago2 min read


The 1% Rule Isn’t Dead — It Just Moved
There was a time when every investor in America was hunting 1% rental deals like gold. You know the rule: If a property rents for 1% or...

Michael Belfor
Jul 292 min read


When 2 Years Isn’t 2 Years: What Self-Employed Buyers Need to Know About Qualifying
For self-employed borrowers, the NUMBER ONE question we get is: “Do I need two full years of tax returns?” The answer? Not always. And...

Michael Belfor
Jul 281 min read


The Real Estate Catch-22
One of the biggest hurdles for homeowners wanting to move up (or even sideways) is this: “I can’t buy until I sell… but I don’t want to...

Michael Belfor
Jul 252 min read


LLC Loans and Airbnb Income — How Investors Are Scaling Smarter in 2025
One of the biggest shifts in lending this year has nothing to do with rates — and everything to do with structure. Smart investors are...

Michael Belfor
Jul 231 min read


What If Rates Drop? Should You Buy Now or Wait?
It’s the question everyone’s asking (out loud or in their heads): “Should I wait for rates to drop before buying?” The answer? It depends...

Michael Belfor
Jul 212 min read


The Myth of 20% Down — And What First-Time Buyers Are Actually Doing Instead
Let’s clear something up: You do not need 20% down to buy a home. That might’ve been true for your parents in the ‘90s.But in 2025? It’s...

Michael Belfor
Jul 182 min read


Seller Credits: The Most Underused Tool in Today’s Market
In a competitive seller’s market, we all know price matters.But in this market — with higher rates and tight affordability — the smartest...

Michael Belfor
Jul 172 min read


DSCR Loans: The Smartest Loan Investors Aren’t Using Enough
If you’re a real estate investor — or working with one — you probably already know how hard it can be to qualify for a mortgage using...

Michael Belfor
Jul 162 min read


How to Stack Down Payment Assistance Like a Pro (Yes, You Can Layer Programs)
Most people think you can only use one DPA program. Not true. With the right combination of programs and a lender who knows how to...

Michael Belfor
Jul 151 min read


Self-Employed? Here's How to Buy Without a W-2 (or a Headache)
You own your own business. You're crushing it. You've got money in the bank, a growing operation, maybe even a couple team members. And...

Michael Belfor
Jul 142 min read


Temporary Buydowns: The Most Misunderstood Tool in Mortgage Right Now
Ask most buyers (and even some agents) what a buydown is, and the answer usually falls into one of two categories: ❌ “Isn’t that just...

Michael Belfor
Jul 111 min read


You Don’t Need to Be 100% Ready — You Just Need to Be 1% Brave
Let’s talk about the real reason most people don’t buy a home: It’s not the rate. It's not the down down payment. It's not the credit...

Michael Belfor
Jul 91 min read


Confused by the Market? Here’s What Actually Helps.
Let’s be honest — trying to figure out when to buy a home in 2025 can feel like trying to hit a moving target… blindfolded… while...

Michael Belfor
Jul 82 min read


Second Half Surge: What If Now Is Your Moment?
The fireworks are done. The BBQ leftovers are (mostly) gone. Summer’s rolling, and we’re officially in the second half of the year. And...

Michael Belfor
Jul 71 min read


Before the BBQs Start: A Quick Note About the Market
As we head into the Fourth of July weekend, I wanted to quickly share something you may not hear from the mainstream headlines… 🏡 This...

Michael Belfor
Jul 31 min read


Freedom Looks Different When You Own It
With the 4th of July around the corner, we’re celebrating a lot of things: country, family, summer — and yes, freedom. But here’s a...

Michael Belfor
Jul 31 min read


Overwhelmed by the Process? You’re Not Alone — and Not Behind.
Let’s be honest — buying a home can feel like too much: 📋 Credit scores 💸 Down payments 🏦 Pre-approvals 🧾 Documents 📉 Rates changing...

Michael Belfor
Jul 21 min read


New Quarter. Fresh Start. Let’s Reset the Game Plan.
It’s officially July — which means we’re halfway through the year… and entering one of the most opportunistic windows in real estate....

Michael Belfor
Jul 11 min read
Content by The Belfor Team, Mortgage Lender California
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