Mortgage education, made clear
Mortgage Guides for Homebuyers and Homeowners
Get straightforward answers about buying a home, mortgage rates, closing costs, loan programs, refinancing, and home equity. Written by Sean Mertens for California homebuyers and homeowners, with local guidance when location matters.
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Essential Mortgage Guides
Buy Before You Sell: Your Financing Options
Understand ways to purchase your next home without making the offer contingent on selling your current property first.
Read the guide Mortgage ratesMortgage Rate Locks Explained
Learn what a rate lock protects, how lock periods work, and what to consider when deciding whether to lock.
Read the guide HomeownersMortgage Recast: Lowering Your Payment
See how a lump-sum principal payment and recast may lower your payment while preserving your existing loan terms.
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Latest Mortgage Articles
Jumbo Loans in California: Financing High-Value Homes
Learn how jumbo loans work for higher-priced California homes, including qualification, down payment, reserves, appraisal considerations, and costs to compare.
Dream For All Program: 20% Down Payment Assistance
Learn how California’s Dream For All shared-appreciation loan can provide eligible first-generation buyers with up to 20% toward a down payment.
Physician Loan: Home Buying for Doctors
Explore how physician loans may offer doctors low down payments, no private mortgage insurance, and more flexible treatment of qualifying student debt.
ADU Financing
Compare common ways to finance an accessory dwelling unit, including home equity, renovation loans, construction financing, cash-out refinancing, and other available options.