Blog

FHA Loan Limits in San Diego County: What Changed for 2026

FHA loan limits reset every year, and 2026 is no exception. The Federal Housing Administration published its new limits in Mortgagee Letter 2025-23 on December 11, 2025, and they apply to FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026. The part most buyers get wrong is not the

California Conventional Loan Limits 2026: What San Diego Buyers Need to Know

The Federal Housing Finance Agency sets a new conforming loan limit every year, and the number that applies to a San Diego County purchase is different from the national figure and different again from the figure in Los Angeles. For 2026, the conforming loan limit in San Diego County is $1,104,000 for

discounted cash flows

Discounted vs. Undiscounted Cash Flow: Key Differences Explained

A fundamental concept in investments is the time value of money—the idea that there is a greater benefit to receiving a sum of money now rather than an identical sum later. It also takes into account the reduction in the real value of funds from the effects of inflation. There

DSCR Loans for Short-Term Rental Investors in California’s Coastal Markets

A DSCR loan is underwritten primarily on the property’s cash flow rather than on the borrower’s personal income documentation. That makes it a common tool for investors buying rental property, including short-term rentals along the California coast. Coastal short-term rentals add a second layer that inland rentals do not have.

VA Loans for Veterans in San Diego: Using Your Benefits Near Naval Base San Diego and Camp Pendleton

San Diego County holds one of the largest concentrations of military and veteran households in the country. Naval Base San Diego anchors the southern end of the county, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton sits at the northern end, and Naval Base Coronado, Naval Base Point Loma, and Marine Corps Recruit

Person in business attire holding a tablet with data displayed, standing on a sidewalk outside a modern residential building with landscaping and palm trees.

Pros and Cons of DSCR Loans for First-Time Real Estate Investors

DSCR loans (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) allow first-time investors to qualify based on property rental income rather than personal income, enabling faster closings and financing for multiple properties. However, they feature higher interest rates, larger down payments (20-25%+), and prepayment penalties, making them better suited for properties with strong, verified

Person signing a private mortgage insurance document on a desk with a calculator, pen, and two small house models.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): When It’s Required and How to Remove It

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is typically required on conventional loans when a down payment is less than 20% (over 80% Loan-to-Value or LTV). It protects lenders if borrowers default. PMI can be removed by submitting a request once equity hits 20% (80% LTV) and automatically terminates at 78% LTV, or

Split image: Left side shows a confused older man with question marks in front of a house labeled "Myth." Right side shows him smiling with house keys and a green check, labeled "Fact.

Common Reverse Mortgage Misconceptions Homeowners Should Know

Reverse mortgages allow seniors to convert home equity into cash without monthly repayments, but misconceptions often cause hesitation. Key truths are that you retain home ownership, heirs can inherit the home (by repaying the loan), and you cannot be forced out if you pay taxes/insurance and live there. A reverse

VA Loans

VA Loan Funding Fees: What They Are and How to Reduce Them

The VA loan funding fee is a required government fee, typically ranging from 0.5% to 3.3% of the loan amount, paid by veterans, active service members, and eligible survivors. This fee helps protect taxpayers by reducing the risk associated with VA-backed loans. While it can usually be rolled into the

A woman sits at a desk reviewing documents, with a small model house and keys in the foreground—illustrating the careful steps involved in the Bridge Loan Refinancing Timeline.

How Long Can You Hold a Bridge Loan Before Refinancing?

Bridge loans are short-term financing solutions typically held for six months to two years, with many lasting up to 12 months. These loans bridge the gap between purchasing a new property and selling an existing one, often requiring repayment within this timeframe, though some may offer 90-to-120-day extensions. Bridge loans