top of page

Home Loan News..


5 Loan Programs You Didn’t Know You Could Qualify For
A lot of buyers assume they can’t qualify—or that rates are too high. But here’s the truth: there are strategic loan programs available...

Michael Belfor
Aug 21, 20251 min read


Mid-August Market Check — Why Rates Feel Stuck (and What to Do About It)
It’s mid-August, and many buyers and homeowners are asking the same question: “Why do rates feel like they’re going nowhere?” On the...

Michael Belfor
Aug 20, 20252 min read


Refinancing for Better Rates: When to Seek Lower Interest Rates
Refinancing your mortgage to secure a lower interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Homeowners often...

Michael Belfor
Aug 19, 20252 min read


Why Rate Windows Keep Closing Faster Than Ever
Last week was a perfect example of today’s mortgage market: rates dipped briefly, and then — just as quickly — they jumped back up. We...

Michael Belfor
Aug 12, 20251 min read


The Market’s Calm Is Only on the Surface
It’s Monday morning, and the market feels… calm. No big headlines. No shock reports. No Fed meetings this week. But under the surface,...

Michael Belfor
Aug 11, 20251 min read


Why Waiting for Lower Rates Could Cost You More Than You Think
This week, we saw a short-lived improvement in mortgage rates — and we acted fast, locking 12 refinance loans for clients who had been...

Michael Belfor
Aug 8, 20252 min read


The Pause Before the Push
If the market had a soundtrack right now, it’d be the moment right before the bass drops. You know it’s coming—you just don’t know...

Michael Belfor
Jul 30, 20252 min read


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 29, 20252 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 29, 20252 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 28, 20251 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 25, 20252 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 23, 20251 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 22, 20253 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 22, 20251 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 21, 20253 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 21, 20252 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 18, 20252 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 17, 20252 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 16, 20252 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 15, 20251 min read
Content by The Belfor Team, Mortgage Lender California
bottom of page
