Can’t Afford Sonoma? Why Lake County Might Be the Smartest First-Time Buyer Move in 2025 If you’ve been eyeing a home in Sonoma County but feel like the numbers just aren’t penciling out, you’re not alone. The truth is, while Sonoma County remains highly desirable, nearby Lake County might just be the hidden gem that…
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Buying a Home in Sonoma County: What Income Do You Need in 2025? Sonoma County, nestled in the heart of California’s wine country, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a robust housing market. As of mid-2025, the median home price in the county stands at approximately $829,000, reflecting a 1.5% increase…
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Can You Use Cannabis Income to Qualify for a Mortgage? Here’s What You Need to Know As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does the number of homebuyers earning their income through state-legal cannabis businesses. But when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage—especially an FHA-insured loan—these borrowers face unique challenges due to conflicting…
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Can You Buy a House with a 500 Credit Score? Yes—Here’s How Buying a home with a 500 credit score might seem like a long shot—but it’s not impossible. While low credit does make things more challenging, there are still viable paths to homeownership, especially through government-backed programs like FHA loans. Just know that success…
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Not every borrower fits neatly into a conventional mortgage box. In fact, as homeownership has become more dynamic and diverse, so too have the mortgage options available. If you’re self-employed, an investor, or someone with complex income streams, there’s good news — you’re no longer out of luck. There’s been a significant rise in non-QM…
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VA Loans and Spousal Debt: What Veterans in Community Property States Need to Know When you’re a military veteran, few things are as valuable in the homebuying process as your VA loan benefit. It’s one of the most powerful mortgage options available—offering zero down payment, no mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. But there’s a…
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In the current real estate market, homeowners considering refinancing are increasingly concerned about the implications of home appraisals. Appraisals play a crucial role in determining a property’s value, directly influencing loan-to-value (LTV) ratios and, consequently, the terms and approval of refinancing applications. Understanding the nuances of appraisal risks is essential for homeowners aiming to make…
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What Happens If Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Go Private? The housing market as we know it is built on a critical but often overlooked foundation: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These two government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) have been in federal conservatorship since 2008, following the financial crisis, and they remain under the oversight of the…
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