What is an 80-10-10 Loan?
If you don’t have 20% down but want to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), an 80-10-10 loan may be the right strategy. Also known as a piggyback or combination loan, it involves three parts: 80% first mortgage 10% second mortgage (home equity loan or HELOC)...
The One Thing I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Mortgage for the First Time
Most first-time buyers focus on one question: “Can I afford the monthly payment?” The one thing I wish every first-time borrower knew is that your mortgage payment is not just principal and interest – and it’s not guaranteed to stay the same forever, even with a...
Are Non-QM Loans Safe? Understanding the Regulations and Protections Before You Apply
A common concern we hear about non-QM loans is that they’re too good to be true, and simply too risky. If you’re considering a non-QM loan, you might be wondering whether they’re similar to the risky, loosely documented loans that contributed to the 2008...
The Best Cities for DSCR Investing in Southern California Right Now
Do your 2026 goals include investing in a rental property in Southern California? If you’re exploring DSCR loans in Southern California as a strategy for growing your real estate portfolio, you’re on the right track. Investor demand for these loans—also...
Bank Statement Loans in Los Angeles: The Mortgage Hack Every Self-Employed Buyer Should Know
If you run a business, work on commission, earn most of your money as a 1099 contractor, or get paid in unusual ways (like royalties, residuals, stock grants), the traditional mortgage process can feel like it was designed for someone else. We talk to borrowers who...
Entertainment Industry Mortgages: How Actors, Musicians & Producers Qualify Using Non-QM Loans
If you work in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles—whether you’re an actor, musician, producer, or behind-the-scenes creative—you already know traditional lenders don’t always understand how your income works. From variable paychecks to contract-based...
Buying Rental Properties in LA or Orange County Without Traditional Income? Here’s How Cash Flow Investor Loans Make It Possible
The Southern California rental market is one of the strongest in the nation. From luxury apartments in Los Angeles to beachside condos and family rentals in Orange County, rental properties rarely stay vacant and rents continue to climb. What many investors don’t...
Why Non-QM Loans Are Surging in Southern California’s High-Income, High-Home-Price Market
Southern California is one of the most desirable—and expensive—real estate markets in the nation, making non-qm loans a great choice for buyers. Whether it’s the luxury estates of Orange County, the creative live-work homes of Los Angeles, or the coastal appeal of San...
The Pros and Cons of Non-QM Mortgages for Today’s Homebuyers in Southern California
For many Southern California homebuyers—especially business owners, entrepreneurs, and luxury buyers—traditional mortgage options can feel like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. When your income doesn’t fit neatly into a W-2 or you have complex assets and...
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Here you’ll find tips, updates on mortgage laws and changes that can affect your loan or approval. Check back often for more great ideas.