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
SLO County Employee Down Payment Assistance: Assist-to-Own
Learn how GSFA Assist-to-Own works for SLO County employees, including deferred assistance, possible gifts, repayment, and a comparison with Sean Mertens.
$0 Down Home Purchase: Assistance, Costs & Eligibility
Understand what a $0-down purchase covers, which costs remain, and how to compare assistance and repayment terms with Sean Mertens in SLO County.