This article examines the ongoing changes in reporting and endorsement requirements imposed on residential mortgage loan brokers and their agents under the recently passed Senate Bill 36.

This article comments on the early use of the Natural Hazards Disclosure (NHD) statement by the listing agent when marketing property to properly inform a prospective buyer and the selling agent before the price is set and an offer is submitted to the seller. Also discussed is the liability protection afforded to the listing agent and seller by upfront delivery of the NHD.

This article exposes the inclusion of default insurance premiums and impounds as part of the total monthly payment on an FHA-insured loan, and their effect on the amount the homebuyer is qualified to borrow. Similarly discussed are the costs of private mortgage insurance (PMI).

This article discusses the market factors influencing the decision to rent or buy in the wake of the Great Recession, and forecasts the future of the rental housing market.

This article presents the various costs and benefits associated with buying or renting a single family residence (SFR), and provides a roadmap for making a well-informed financial decision.

This article provides a sneak peak at the California Housing Financing Agency’s (CHFA’s) proposed allocation of $700 million of federal aid intended to help California’s distressed homeowners stay in their homes or provide relocation assistance.