Many purchased or refinanced when mortgage rates were dramatically lower than today's market. At the same time, years of home-price appreciation have left longtime owners with substantial equity. A recent Realtor.com analysis estimates that the typical California homeowner has approximately $627,000 in home equity. That creates an obvious question: What if you need access to some of that equity but don't want to give up your existing first mortgage? For certain homeow

When people hear “California real estate,” affordable usually isn't the first word that comes to mind. San Francisco. Orange County. Los Angeles. San Jose. Marin. In many of California's best-known housing markets, buyers have become accustomed to home prices approaching — or easily exceeding — $1 million. But California isn't one housing market. Not even close. A recent affordability analysis ranked Porterville as the most affordable city in California, with a medi

Choosing the right mortgage lender in California involves much more than finding the company advertising the lowest interest rate. The right lender should be able to offer a competitive combination of rate and costs, recommend a loan program that actually fits your situation, accurately evaluate your qualifications before you make an offer, communicate clearly throughout the transaction, and successfully close the type of property you are buying. That last part matters mo

If you're an eligible Veteran or active-duty service member buying a home in Southern California, don't assume a VA loan is only useful when you're purchasing an inexpensive home with no money down. In markets like Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles, the VA home loan benefit can be particularly powerful because qualified borrowers with full entitlement aren't subject to a VA county loan limit. That means VA financing can potentially be used for a $700,000 condo, a $

If you're an eligible Veteran, active-duty service member or surviving spouse buying a home in California, the VA home loan can be one of the most powerful mortgage options available. But there's a problem. A lot of buyers — and frankly, some real estate professionals — make the VA loan process sound much more complicated than it actually is. The basic process is straightforward: Confirm your VA eligibility. Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility. Get fully preapprove