One of the complaints I hear periodically from buyers and sellers is pretty simple: “Why is there so much paperwork?” It’s a fair question. After 40 years of selling real estate and originating mortgage loans in California, I can tell you that the amount of paperwork involved in a real estate ... » Learn More about Why All the Paperwork? The Reality of a California Real Estate Transaction: It’s Not a Garage Sale
Mortgage Regulations
Modernizing the Fed: Why Better Data Means Better Interest Rate Decisions
I’ve said it several times, one thing has become increasingly clear over the past several years… the economy moves faster than the Federal Reserve's traditional decision making process. The Fed has a difficult job. It has to balance inflation, employment, economic growth, and financial stability, ... » Learn More about Modernizing the Fed: Why Better Data Means Better Interest Rate Decisions
How the New FinCEN Regulation Will Affect Real Estate Transactions… What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has finalized a new nationwide rule that goes into effect March 1, 2026, and I’m already getting questions about how it will impact real estate transactions here in Los Angeles and Ventura County. As we know, there’s a lot of fraud ... » Learn More about How the New FinCEN Regulation Will Affect Real Estate Transactions… What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know
Not All Mortgages Are Created Equal: Understanding the Power of Non-QM Loans
When you're navigating the lending world, especially here in the San Fernando Valley and Greater Los Angeles, you’re going to hear two terms thrown around a lot: Qualified Mortgage (QM) and Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM). They sound technical, and honestly they are. But understanding the difference ... » Learn More about Not All Mortgages Are Created Equal: Understanding the Power of Non-QM Loans
Mortgage Rates Continue to Drift Lower But What’s Really Driving Them?
The past year has been a rollercoaster for interest rates, but in recent weeks, we’re finally seeing a bit of relief. As of mid-October 2025, the average 30 year fixed mortgage rate has eased to 6.23%, while the 7/6 adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) is averaging around 5.72%. Both are down roughly a ... » Learn More about Mortgage Rates Continue to Drift Lower But What’s Really Driving Them?