Recent Articles

post image

How To Find A Good Mortgage Broker: A Straightforward Guide

Finding a good mortgage broker isn’t about chasing the lowest advertised rate. It’s about working with someone who understands guidelines, income, credit, and local market realities—and who communicates clearly from start to finish. The right broker spots problems before they become delays, explains options in plain English, and offers a full range of loan programs tailored to your situation. When you choose experience and local knowledge, the mortgage process becomes smoother, faster, and far less stressful.

Published on 12/13/2025

post image

Is Petaluma affluent?

Petaluma is absolutely an affluent city, but not in a flashy way. With median household incomes in the low to mid 100k range and home prices often between 700k and 1M, the community leans upper middle class. The vibe is all about quality of life. Strong schools, historic neighborhoods, farm-to-table everything and a steady flow of Bay Area commuters who bring higher incomes with them. It’s comfortable, grounded and one of the most financially stable cities in Sonoma County. If you're planning to buy or refinance here, understanding the city’s income profile helps you make smarter moves.

Published on 12/11/2025

post image

What is the average income in Petaluma CA?

Petaluma’s median household income lands in the low to mid 100k range, putting it well above the state and national average. What this really means is that the city has a strong job base and a stable housing market. For buyers, that income level typically supports home prices in the 700k to 850k range depending on debt and credit. If you're thinking about buying or refinancing, getting a clear affordability analysis early can make the whole process smoother.

Published on 12/11/2025

post image

What is the most expensive neighborhood in Petaluma, CA?

The most expensive neighborhood in Petaluma is the Oakhill Brewster Historic District. This west side pocket is packed with restored Victorians tree lined streets and walkability that buyers fight for. Homes here often climb past one point two million thanks to their architecture charm and limited supply. If you want the classic Petaluma lifestyle with the strongest long term value this is the neighborhood everyone aims for.

Published on 12/11/2025

post image

Is it better to go through the bank or a mortgage broker?

Choosing the right mortgage can be tricky. Explore the key differences between banks and brokers to find the best fit for your home financing needs.

Published on 12/11/2025

post image

Fed Cuts Again, But Dot Plot Steers Mortgage Rate Outlook

The Fed cut rates by 0.25% and ended quantitative tightening, but the real story for the average 30-year fixed is in the dot plot and Powell’s comments. Here’s what that means for mortgage rates and homebuyers.

Published on 12/10/2025

post image

This Week in Mortgage Rates: Buyers Are Back as Rates Hover in the Low 6s

Mortgage rates bounced around but stayed in a tight range near the low 6% area this week, while purchase applications hit their highest level since early 2023 and refinance demand more than doubled compared to last year. Here’s what that means if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing.

Published on 12/06/2025

post image

Stronger Data Last Week Caused a Slight Rate Bump

Stronger jobless-claims and durable-goods data from last week pushed the average 30-year fixed slightly higher, but mortgage rates are still near recent lows. Here’s what that means for buyers and homeowners

Published on 12/01/2025

post image

What Today’s Jobs Report Means for Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates held steady after a mixed jobs report, with unemployment rising and job growth coming in stronger than expected. Learn what this means for homebuyers and what to watch next.

Published on 11/21/2025

post image

50-Year Mortgages? Here’s What You Need to Know

The Trump administration says it’s exploring 50-year mortgage options to help with affordability. Learn what this could mean for homebuyers, monthly payments, and long-term costs.

Published on 11/11/2025

post image

Fannie Mae’s Big Update: You May Qualify Even With a Credit Score Below 620

Fannie Mae’s new credit score policy lets lenders use automated approvals even for borrowers below 620. Here’s what that means for homebuyers who thought they couldn’t qualify.

Published on 11/08/2025

post image

Predicting Mortgage Rates: Your Guide to Buying Smart in 2026

Navigating the mortgage landscape can be tough. Learn key insights to help you understand rates in 2026 and make informed, smart homebuying decisions.

Published on 11/06/2025

post image

What’s Going On With Mortgage Rates? (Explain-It-to-a-5th-Grader Version)

Mortgage rates dipped, then jumped after the Fed’s cut. A $15B corporate bond sale and stronger economic reports added pressure. Here’s the simple, kid-level way to understand what’s happening and what it means for buyers.

Published on 11/06/2025

post image

Mortgage Rates Hold Near Yearly Lows as Market Awaits Next Data

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering near 3-year lows as bond markets hold steady amid limited economic data. Learn why rates remain low and what could move them next.

Published on 10/22/2025

post image

Gen Z and the Dream of Homeownership: Adapting to a Challenging Market

A new Realtor.com survey reveals that 1 in 5 Gen Z adults say housing affordability is their top life concern. Learn how young buyers are adapting, saving, and staying determined to achieve homeownership.

Published on 10/15/2025

post image

Mortgage Rates Tick Up Slightly as Bonds Weaken and MBS Underperform

On October 9, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate edged slightly higher to 6.38% after a weaker 30-year Treasury auction and mild MBS underperformance. Rates remain stable within a narrow range as the government shutdown continues.

Published on 10/10/2025

post image

Mortgage Rates Holds Steady After Weak Jobs Report

On October 1, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate held at 6.37% after weak private payroll data. Bigger shifts may follow when the delayed government jobs report is released.

Published on 10/01/2025

post image

3 Reasons Home Affordability Is Improving This Fall

Affordability is finally improving this fall thanks to lower average 30-year fixed mortgage rates, slower home price growth, and rising wages. Learn why now could be the right time to buy.

Published on 09/26/2025

post image

Mortgage Rates Hit Yearly Lows—Then Jump After the Fed Cut. Here’s What Happened (and Why Applications Just Surged)

After touching yearly lows early in the week, the average 30-year fixed rose following the Fed’s rate cut—thanks to the dot plot and Powell’s comments. Still, mortgage applications just saw their biggest weekly jump since 2021 as homeowners reacted to earlier rate declines. Here’s what it means for buyers and homeowners.

Published on 09/19/2025

post image

What Experts Expect for Mortgage Rates in 2025 & 2026—And What It Means for You

The Forecast: Where Rates Are Headed According to Fannie Mae’s latest projections: Mortgage rates are expected to end 2025 at around 6.5%. By the end of 2026, rates may ease further to 6.1%.

Published on 09/14/2025