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Home Loan News..


Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Caps: Understanding Rate Limits
An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) offers a variable interest rate that can change over time, based on market conditions. However, to...

Michael Belfor
Jul 292 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 Windows Don’t Stay Open Long — Why Rate Watching Matters More Than Ever
If you're a buyer (or working with one), you’ve probably asked the question: “Are rates going to get better soon?” The truth? Maybe. But...

Michael Belfor
Jul 262 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


Why Buyers Regret Waiting—and What They're Doing About It
“I should’ve bought last year.” We’ve all heard it—buyers kicking themselves for not acting sooner. But here’s what they’re realizing...

Michael Belfor
Jul 241 min read


Listing Local Parks, Beaches, and Theme Parks: What Your Area Has to Offer
When considering a new place to live, the availability of recreational and leisure activities can be a significant factor. Local parks,...

Michael Belfor
Jul 223 min read


How a 2-1 Buydown Can Save You $6,000+ in Year One
With rates still bouncing around, a lot of buyers feel stuck.They want to move but can’t justify the monthly payment jump. Enter the 2-1...

Michael Belfor
Jul 221 min read


Unpacking the Price, Utility, and Future Potential of XRP
If you’ve been watching XRP lately, you’ve probably noticed some fireworks — price surging into all-time highs, headlines swirling with...

Michael Belfor
Jul 213 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


The Market Doesn’t Wait — But Too Many Buyers Do
Let me guess… You’ve probably had that moment where you're scrolling listings at night and thinking: “We should really do this.”“But...

Michael Belfor
Jul 101 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


Mortgage Insurance Options: Protecting Lenders and Borrowers
Mortgage insurance is a policy that protects lenders in case a borrower defaults on their mortgage. For homebuyers, it’s usually required...

Michael Belfor
Jul 82 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
Content by The Belfor Team, Mortgage Lender California
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