JVM’s Blog

Your Trusted Guide for Mortgages & Real Estate

Latest Articles

NAR’s Settlement – May Be Great News For Agents! (Except for the Civil War Part)

Everyone (and I mean EVERYONE) has been in a tizzy over NAR’s settlement of the Sitzer/Burnett (Broker Commission) case. But – it may actually be good news for many brokers and agents – and I...

March 18, 2024 4 min read
NAR’s Settlement – May Be Great News For Agents! (Except for the Civil War Part)

Two Biggest Economic Crises The World Is Facing Involve Real Estate!

The two biggest risks facing the world today involve real estate. It is ironic because this blog is all about real estate and why I love it so much as an asset class. But, this blog focuses on U.S....

March 15, 2024 5 min read
Two Biggest Economic Crises The World Is Facing Involve Real Estate!

LOs Can Quote ANYTHING When You’re Not In Contract; Owner-Occupancy Fraud Alert! Hot Inflation = Higher Rates

We lost a borrower during the pre-approval stage to another loan officer (LO) who quoted an “estimated” interest rate that was 1/4% lower than ours. We tried to explain to the borrower that LOs...

March 14, 2024 4 min read
LOs Can Quote ANYTHING When You're Not In Contract; Owner-Occupancy Fraud Alert! Hot Inflation = Higher Rates

Everyone You Know Is Rich & That’s Why You’re Confused

To be in the top 10% of the wealthiest Americans, you only need a net worth of $854,00, per Yahoo Finance (this is pretty much everyone who owns a home in CA). The top 5% have net worths of $1...

March 13, 2024 4 min read
Everyone You Know Is Rich & That's Why You're Confused

FHA Vs. USDA Home Loans: Which Mortgage Is Better For Buying A Home

As a first-time homebuyer with limited savings for a down payment, navigating the world of mortgages can be daunting. Thankfully, there are options available to help low-to-moderate income borrowers...

March 13, 2024 11 min read
FHA Vs. USDA Home Loans Which Mortgage Is Better For Buying A Home

Will Biden’s Housing Assistance Plan Help Housing?

My son and I recently visited a fast-food restaurant in CA’s Central Valley where the new minimum wage laws ($20 per hour starting in April) had been implemented – and […]

March 11, 2024 4 min read
Will Biden's Housing Assistance Plan Help Housing

How Much Down Payment Do You Need For A $300k House?

Figuring out how much of a down payment you need to buy a $300k house can be overwhelming. This guide will break down your down payment, income needs, and everything in between so you can start your...

March 9, 2024 9 min read
Family buying a new house; parents and children hugging and having fun standing in front of their new house

Beware of False Employment Reports! Their Impact Is Only Temporary

Hot jobs reports can push rates way up, but they should not be trusted. The actual data surfaces sooner or later, and rates adjust back downward. Sometimes it takes a day or two, and sometimes,...

March 8, 2024 3 min read
Beware of False Employment Reports! Their Impact Is Only Temporary

Illegal/Commercial Use Of Property Is NOT A Deal Killer As Long As…

Illegal/Commercial Use Of Residential Property We once financed the purchase of a home that was being used as an office for a large paving and concrete contractor. He had a […]

March 7, 2024 3 min read
Illegal/Commercial Use Of Property Is NOT A Deal Killer As Long As…

I Personally Watched A Billionaire Lose Everything; Wife Stayed Rich; Lessons?

Northern California was ground zero for the dotcom melt-up in the late 1990s and the implosion in 2000. Living in NorCal at the time, I was able to personally bear […]

March 6, 2024 4 min read
I Personally Watched A Billionaire Lose Everything; Wife Stayed Rich; Lessons

ADU/In-Law/Guest Cottage Financing – Part Deux

I have been blogging about ADUs repeatedly over the last few years because states and local governments are so aggressively encouraging their construction – as a way to solve our […]

March 4, 2024 4 min read
ADU-In-Law-Guest Cottage Financing – Part Deux

Hillsborough County Property Tax: A Complete Guide

Understanding the ins and outs of Hillsborough County property tax is crucial for your property management and financial planning. This guide is designed to cover the basics and nuances of Florida...

March 2, 2024 5 min read
Bayfront view of St. Petersburg Skyline in Hillsborough County

Rocket Fired All of Their Realtor-Loan-Officers! Why?

Rocket just fired all of its newly minted real estate agent/loan officers – surprising… nobody. Before I explain this though, I want to touch on something I missed in this […]

March 1, 2024 3 min read
Rocket Fired All of Their Realtor-Loan-Officers! Why

Orange County Property Tax: Your Complete Guide

Understanding the ins and outs of Orange County property tax is crucial for your property management and financial planning. This guide is designed to cover the basics and nuances of Florida property...

March 1, 2024 6 min read
Aerial view of Orlando skyline and reflection in Lake Eola
You are less than 60 seconds away from your quote.

Resume from where you left off. No obligations.