Should You Sell Your Home As-Is or Fix It Up First? Let’s Break It Down So you’re thinking about selling your house, but you’re torn: Should you sell it as-is, or spend money fixing it up in hopes of getting a higher price? It’s a fair question—and one that a lot of homeowners wrestle with,…
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If you’re on the hunt for a home in Sonoma County, you might have noticed listings aren’t flying off the shelves as quickly as they were—yet the pace is still brisk. In May 2025, homes typically went pending in about 37 days, about six days longer than last year. That extra time isn’t just a…
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Can You Have Two FHA Loans at Once? Here’s What You Need to Know FHA loans are designed to help people buy primary residences—not investment properties, second homes, or vacation getaways. That’s why, under normal guidelines, you can only have one FHA loan out at a time. But what if your life circumstances change and…
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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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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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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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Refinancing Strategies to Reduce Credit Card Debt and Buy a Home If you’re sitting on a 3% mortgage and juggling high-interest credit card or auto loan debt, you’re not alone. As of early 2025, the average American household carries about $7,321 in credit card debt, with interest rates often exceeding 20% . This financial strain…
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