How Alimony Can Boost Your Home Buying Power If you pay alimony and thought it would hurt your ability to buy a home, I’ve got good news for you. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have updated their conventional loan guidelines, and they now treat alimony as a reduction to income rather than a debt. This…
Co-signing a loan for someone might feel like the right thing to do, but it can have unintended consequences if you’re planning to get a mortgage or refinance your home. Whether it’s for a friend’s new car or a family member’s fancy motorcycle, co-signing puts their debt on your financial record, and that can cause…
For many families, finding an affordable home in their current city or town feels like an uphill battle. As housing prices continue to climb, the dream of homeownership can seem out of reach. But what if expanding your search radius could bring that dream closer? By considering homes in areas outside your immediate location, you…
Understanding Home Inspection Reports: Facts Buyers Must Know When buying a home, the inspection phase can feel like a whirlwind of new information. After you’ve agreed on a price with the seller, the home inspection report often provides insights you weren’t initially aware of. While valuable, these reports can sometimes lead to unnecessary worry. Here’s…
If you’re looking to buy a house but want to avoid the income limits and red tape often associated with traditional down payment assistance programs, Security National Mortgage Company (SNMC) offers a solution. Their unique FHA program allows you to buy a home without the usual restrictions, making it easier to achieve homeownership. This program…
Deciding between an FHA loan and a conventional loan for your home purchase is an important choice that depends on your financial situation and goals. Both loan options have distinct benefits and considerations, so let’s break down the key differences to help you make the best decision for your needs. A 5% down conventional loan…
When you apply for a mortgage, one of the key decisions you’ll need to make is whether to lock in your interest rate or let it “float.” This choice can impact your monthly payment and your overall financial comfort, so let’s explore both options to help you decide. What Does It Mean to Lock Your…
2025 Conforming Loan Limits: What It Means for Sonoma County Buyers and Sellers The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced an increase in the baseline conforming loan limit for single-family homes to $806,500 in 2025, a 5.2% rise from the 2024 limit of $766,550. In high-cost areas like Sonoma County, California, the conforming loan…