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What Happened in the Housing Market This Week? (Simple Enough for Anyone to Understand)
By Reem MistoPresident & Mortgage Broker | National Pacific Lending The Big Question Everyone Is Asking One of the questions I hear almost every day is: “Should I buy a home now, or should I wait?” The honest answer is… Nobody has a crystal ball. But understanding what’s happening in the market can help you…
Read MoreCan I Buy a Second Home with My VA Loan? Understanding Second-Tier VA Entitlement By Reem Misto President & Mortgage Broker | National Pacific Lending Helping California Veterans and Active-Duty Military Families Since 1986
Quick Answer One of the questions I hear most often from veterans is: “I already have a VA loan. Can I use my VA benefit again to buy another home?” The answer is: Yes—you may be able to. Many veterans believe a VA loan is a one-time benefit. In reality, your VA home loan benefit…
Read MoreMortgage Rates Are Back Above 6%: Why Today’s Buyers May Have More Opportunity Than They Think
If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to drop before buying a home, you’re not alone. Many buyers expected rates to continue falling in 2026 after dipping below 6% earlier this year. Instead, mortgage rates have recently moved back into the mid-6% range due to inflation concerns and global economic uncertainty. While that may sound…
Read MoreHow Self-Employed Buyers in Irvine Qualify for a Mortgage—Without Tax Returns
If you’re self-employed in Irvine, you’ve probably heard this before: “Your income doesn’t qualify.” Meanwhile, you’re looking at your bank account thinking: “But I make more than enough.” So what’s the disconnect? The Problem Isn’t Your Income—It’s How It’s Reported Most self-employed professionals—business owners, consultants, real estate agents—legally write off expenses. That means: Your taxable…
Read MoreHow the Iran War Is Affecting the Housing Market and Mortgage Rates
With global events constantly evolving, many people are asking: “How does a war across the world impact my ability to buy or refinance a home here?” The reality is that geopolitical events, such as the Iran war, can have a meaningful effect on mortgage rates, home prices, and overall market activity. Let’s break it down…
Read MoreHow Compass, Coldwell Banker, and Sotheby’s Agents Can Help Their Buyers Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate
In today’s real estate market, one factor has a greater impact on whether a buyer moves forward or hesitates: interest rates. Even a small change in rate can dramatically affect affordability. For many buyers in California, the difference between winning a home and losing it often comes down to monthly payment. That’s why many successful…
Read MoreMortgage Rates in 2026: Why Strategy Matters More Than Timing
One of the most-searched housing topics online right now is simple: “Are mortgage rates going down in 2026?” The short answer?Rates have eased from recent highs and are floating around the low-6% range, but they’re still moving week to week. That means today’s market isn’t about guessing the bottom—it’s about building flexibility into your loan…
Read MoreHow to Improve Your Credit Score and Prepare for Homeownership
How to Improve Your Credit Score and Prepare for Homeownership For most people, buying a home isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s one of the most powerful ways to build long-term wealth. But before you can take that step, your credit score plays a huge role in whether you qualify for a loan,…
Read MoreWhy Long-Term Mortgage Rates Don’t Always Follow the Fed — And Why You Shouldn’t Wait
When the Federal Reserve hinted back in August that they would likely cut short-term interest rates, many people expected mortgage rates to follow and drop as well. But here’s the twist: long-term mortgage rates had already started improving weeks before the Fed even made its move. Think of It Like Apple Announcing a New iPhone…
Read MoreTrending Now: Orange County Real Estate & Mortgage Update (August 2025)
Orange County continues to be one of the most sought-after—and competitive—housing markets in California. As we move through the second half of 2025, here’s what homebuyers, sellers, and investors need to know. 1. Home Prices Hold Strong The median home value in Orange County is approximately $1.17 million, with values increasing about 2.1% year-over-year. The…
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