by Irene Moustakas | Mar 31, 2025 | FHA, Industry News
This is a significant change that will have major implications, particularly in a market like the Bay Area which has numerous H1B visa holders that are invited here for tech jobs. While FHA is not the only option in securing financing, its lending flexibility and...
by Irene Moustakas | Feb 27, 2025 | Uncategorized
Split financing (also referred to as “combo financing” or a “piggyback loan”) in regards to mortgage lending means that you are splitting the financing you require into two loans, funded at the same time. The 1st mortgage covers the bulk of the financing and the...
by Irene Moustakas | Dec 12, 2024 | Uncategorized
A blended rate – also called a net effective rate – reflects the total rate of all your debt. We break out the balances owed and at what rate and we can calculate the blended rate to get a more true picture. This can help you determine if refinancing for debt...
by Irene Moustakas | Nov 5, 2024 | Uncategorized
If your regular income streams are not sufficient to qualify (salary, social security, pension…), but you have a chunk of money in asset accounts, then we can use those assets to create income. It can give enough of a boost to qualify for a home you love! The income...
by Irene Moustakas | Sep 11, 2024 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Business Promotion
I first published this e-book in 2014 and have now updated it with new and current information. It reviews the basics of homebuying, what lenders look for, and provides an overview of loan products and programs. Check it out here and let me know how I can help! Share...
by Irene Moustakas | Sep 4, 2024 | 1st Time Homebuyers, FHA, Industry News, Loan Programs and Products
The National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) serves to provide down payment assistance to both returning and first time homebuyers. It’s one of the few down payment assistance programs available that does not have a first time homebuyer or income limitation stipulation! I...
by Irene Moustakas | Aug 20, 2024 | Uncategorized
A co-borrower is a person you are buying a home with, and you will live in that home together; you are also both equally obligated on the mortgage. A non-occupant co-borrower is someone that is helping you qualify for a loan, but they will not be living in the...
by Irene Moustakas | Aug 14, 2024 | 1st Time Homebuyers, Rates
If you are a first time homebuyer and your gross income is below your specific county’s Area Median Income (AMI) limit, did you know that you qualify for some pretty attractive interest rate incentives? It can usually result in savings of approximately .5% to .875%,...
by Irene Moustakas | Jun 3, 2024 | Uncategorized
Did you know that Americans owe an astounding $1.13 trillion in credit card debt? That’s a number that’s hard to picture, isn’t it? Inflation and increased interest rates have contributed to this growing number, and it certainly shows us that many American households...
by Irene Moustakas | May 23, 2024 | Uncategorized
If you are looking to purchase a home or refinance your existing mortgage, you may want to look beyond simply walking into your bank. Many people secure a real estate loan through their bank because they don’t always realize that other options may exist. I started out...