How the Economy Impacts Mortgage RatesAs someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage...
If you are here, there is a good chance you are considering the best ways to continue enjoying the comfort and familiarity of your own home as you age. Here in Southern California, where the sun shines brightly and the community spirit is strong, many seniors like yourself are exploring the concept of "aging in place."Aging in place means staying in your own home and community as you grow older rather than...
As Americans live longer, the need for long-term care services grows. For many, requiring assistance with daily activities or moving into a nursing home is a daunting prospect, not only emotionally but also financially. In California, where long-term care costs are among the highest in the nation, planning for these expenses is crucial for a secure and dignified retirement.Long-term care includes a wide...
Do Elections Impact the Housing Market?The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.It’s a great question because buying or selling a home is a major decision, and it’s natural to wonder how such a major event might impact your...
Worried About Mortgage Rates? Control the ControllablesChances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now. You may even see some headlines talking about last week’s Federal Reserve (the Fed) meeting and what it means for rates. But the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates, even if the headlines make it sound like they do.The truth is, mortgage rates are impacted by a lot of...
Imagine a scenario where an elderly couple in California, married for over 50 years, suddenly passes away without leaving a will or trust in place. Their adult children are left to deal with the complexities of estate law while grieving the loss of their parents. The family home, which holds countless memories and represents a significant portion of the couple's assets, becomes entangled in the lengthy and...
Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching UpYou may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm. Today, about one in three homes on the market are newly built. And if you’re wondering what that means for the housing market and for your own move, here’s what you need to know.Why This Isn’t Like 2008People remember what happened to the housing...
Imagine a retired couple sitting at their kitchen table, surrounded by bills and bank statements. They've worked hard their whole lives, scrimping and saving for retirement, but now they're facing a whole new set of problems as the cost of living keeps going up. It's a story that's all too common for seniors across the country.In the pre-pandemic world of 2019, this couple in their late 50s was eagerly...