Purchasing a home is often regarded as one of life’s most significant milestones, requiring meticulous planning and financial discipline. While most prospective buyers focus on saving for a down payment or securing a pre-approval, they may overlook seemingly minor financial decisions that can have profound consequences on their ability to purchase a home. In this article, I’ll share three real-world examples from my clients that illustrate how small, seemingly inconsequential choices can derail the homebuying process.

Wildfires are devastating. For many in Southern California, the recent Pacific Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires have upended lives, destroyed homes, and displaced families. Recovery from such an event is overwhelming, but with clear steps and strong community support, it is possible to rebuild.

In 2003, my family lost our home to the Cedar Fire in San Diego. It was a total loss. The weeks and months that followed were marked by grief, resilience, and a steep learning curve about navigating disaster recovery. Rebuilding took over two years. That experience shaped how I approach challenges and inspired me to share actionable steps for those currently facing the unthinkable.

This article covers the three critical steps to take immediately if your home is destroyed, actionable ways to get involved in helping wildfire victims, and the role of community-driven initiatives in disaster recovery.

January 10th, 2025, marks Quitters Day, the day when most New Year’s resolutions falter. For many, the resolve to spend less, save more, or live more intentionally begins to waver just ten days into the new year. But on TikTok, a cultural shift appears to be holding strong.

In 2024, the platform celebrated "Consumption Core," glorifying luxury shopping sprees, indulgent meals, and aspirational lifestyles. Yet as 2025 begins, TikTok feeds are dominated by No Buy 2025, Project PAN, and other movements championing financial restraint and sustainability. Viral trends like Amex Wrapped—a tongue-in-cheek audit of annual spending—highlight this pivot from excess to mindfulness.

As TikTok faces growing regulatory scrutiny and the looming threat of a ban in the United States, the platform’s shift toward practicality raises questions. Are these trends a genuine reflection of generational maturity and financial realities, or a calculated move by TikTok’s algorithm to retain relevance?

The holiday season is here, and with it comes a flurry of market activity—including a fresh Fed rate cut that’s raising plenty of questions. Many of my readers are wondering, what does this mean for mortgage rates, and how can I take advantage of the opportunities ahead?

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your financial health, reflect on your goals, and prepare for a prosperous new year. Whether you’re aiming to buy your first home, tackle debt, or ensure your family’s financial security, these five actionable tips will help you end the year strong and start 2025 on the right foot.

If you’ve ever walked around New York City, you’ve probably noticed the ubiquitous green awnings and scaffolding lining buildings. They’re so common they’ve almost become part of the city’s identity. But have you ever wondered what these structures are for and how they might affect you?

These buildings are part of New York City’s Façade Safety and Inspection Program (FISP), a crucial system designed to ensure the safety of pedestrians and the structural integrity of buildings.

On December 5, 2024, the New York City Council passed the "City of Yes," a comprehensive zoning reform plan designed to address key challenges facing the city, including sustainability, economic opportunity, and housing affordability. Touted as the most ambitious update to the city’s zoning code since 1961, the initiative aims to reshape the urban landscape to meet the demands of the 21st century. However, its potential impact on local neighborhoods and the concerns of community stakeholders underscore the complexities of implementing such sweeping changes.

The U.S. economy finds itself in a curious state. On paper, Americans have never been wealthier. Disposable personal income—what’s left of an individual’s income after paying mandatory expenses like taxes—is at record highs, and homeowners hold more equity than at any time in history. Yet millions of people are feeling the pinch, struggling to make ends meet despite what should be an era of financial prosperity. How can both realities exist at the same time?

If you’re hearing about interest-only mortgages and wondering, Why would I pay interest only? Isn’t the whole point to pay off the house?—you’re not alone. For people outside the real estate and finance world, the idea of paying just the interest can sound like a terrible deal. But for jumbo loan clients with loan amounts over $1 million, an interest-only mortgage can be a strategic move that keeps cash flow under control and flexibility within reach.

Let’s break down how interest-only loans work, who they’re good for, and when it’s time to grab a calculator (and maybe a CPA) to see if they make sense for you.

If you’ve ever heard the term “hard money” and thought, Is this some kind of secret underground currency?—you’re not alone. The name can be confusing, especially if you’re new to real estate. No, it’s not a stash of gold bars or cash locked in a safe; it’s actually a type of short-term, high-cost loan designed specifically for real estate investors. Despite the tough-sounding name, “hard money” is really about flexibility and speed, making it a go-to option for seasoned property investors.

Here’s what you need to know about hard money renovation loans, their benefits and pitfalls, and whether they might be right for your next project.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your financial health. One way to do this is by calculating your blended interest rate—the average interest rate across all your debts. Understanding this rate helps you see the true cost of your borrowing and identify areas to save money, especially if you’re carrying high-interest debt like credit cards or personal loans.

Elections don’t just change the political landscape—they also create waves in financial markets. Following this year’s election, you might have heard about rising Treasury yields and wondered how that affects mortgage rates. Interestingly, despite shifts in market conditions, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has remained steady, hovering around 6.75% for the past month, according to the Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Let’s break down the underlying trends and what they mean for you.

In September, the Fed cut its benchmark rate, raising hopes for lower mortgage rates. Yet this month, mortgage rates are actually higher. Here’s a breakdown of the drivers behind the recent rate increase and how it’s affecting monthly payments.

Every four years, as election season rolls around, many prospective homebuyers and sellers become cautious. It’s easy to believe that the housing market could be negatively impacted by the uncertainty that accompanies a presidential election. However, this belief isn’t always rooted in reality. Let’s delve into how the housing market has historically responded during election years and why the effects might not be as significant as you think.

Disclaimer: This article discusses FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM), which are federally regulated reverse mortgages. The features and protections described here apply specifically to HECMs and may not be applicable to other types of reverse mortgage products.

For Veterans using a VA loan to purchase a condo, it's a common misconception that they are limited to units within complexes listed on the VA-approved list. While it's true that the VA has stringent criteria for condo approval, there is still a path forward if the condo you want doesn’t meet these guidelines. In this article, I’ll walk you through the VA condo approval process, discuss why many lenders won’t go through the effort, and explore how you can still buy a non-approved condo through a waiver.

Minimalism has become one of the most popular trends in home design and decor. You’ve probably seen minimalist homes that emphasize clean lines, neutral colors, and open spaces. The furniture in these homes often follows the "less is more" principle—functional, high-quality pieces that serve a purpose without overwhelming the room. Minimalism in decorating is about creating a peaceful environment by reducing clutter and focusing on the essentials, allowing each piece to stand out and contribute to a sense of calm.

If you’re in the market for a new home in NYC, you’ve likely come across co-ops and condos as your main options. But which one is right for you? Both come with unique advantages and challenges, so it’s essential to know what to look for. Here are 10 key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

As the October 15 tax deadline approaches for those who filed for an extension, it’s important to understand how your tax situation could impact your mortgage options, especially if you’re a prospective homebuyer, a refinancer, or a CPA helping clients navigate their finances.

If you've been keeping an eye on mortgage rates, you might be wondering: What does the Fed's rate cut mean for me? On September 18, 2024, the Federal Reserve made its first rate cut in two years—a big moment in the world of finance. But how does this affect your mortgage, and more importantly, your ability to afford a home? Let’s break it down.