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?

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.

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.

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.