Loan options
Choosing a Mortgage Term: 15 Years, 30 Years or Another Plan
Compare required payments, remaining balances, extra principal and rate buydowns before choosing a mortgage repayment term.
THE ECHL BLOG
Mortgage questions. Clear explanations.
Explore homebuying, home equity and the decisions that come with owning a home.
Looking for the essential steps? Start with our buyer and homeowner guides.
58 articles · Page 1 of 5
Home equity
Bank-Statement Home Equity Financing: Questions for Self-Employed Borrowers
Learn what to ask about income documentation, eligible deposits, business expenses and repayment risk when seeking equity financing while self-employed.
Loan options
Bank Statement Mortgages: What the Lender Needs to Understand
Learn how alternative income documentation is reviewed and which questions to ask before comparing a bank statement mortgage.
Homebuying
Buying a Foreclosure or HomePath Property: Verify the Deal First
Separate auction, short-sale and REO purchases while checking condition, financing and the current HomePath offer process.
Investor financing · California
California 1031 Exchanges: Plan the Tax Structure and Financing Together
Understand eligible real estate, exchange deadlines, access to proceeds, California reporting and the financing work to complete before a 1031 exchange.
Homebuying · California
California Closing Escrow: Who Holds What and When
Follow the purchase escrow process from deposit through recording while keeping closing escrow separate from mortgage impounds.
Rates & market updates · California
California HELOC Rates: Read the Pricing Rules Behind the Offer
Compare a California HELOC by index, margin, introductory terms, fees, payment changes and fixed-rate options without relying on stale rate averages.
Homebuying · California
California Homebuyer Assistance: Check the Terms Before Counting the Funds
Distinguish grants, deferred loans and shared appreciation while checking program status, lender participation and repayment triggers.
Homeownership · California
California Homeowner Tax Planning: Questions Before You Borrow
Separate property, income and sales taxes from mortgage costs and prepare useful questions for a qualified tax professional.
Rates & market updates · California
California Housing Supply and the Budget for a Particular Home
Read housing-supply reports carefully and compare the location, timing and full ownership costs of actual California properties.
Loan options · California
California Loan Limits: Find the Right County and Program
Use the correct year, county, unit count and mortgage program to distinguish conforming, high-balance, FHA and jumbo financing.
Homeownership · California
California Property Taxes: Build a Budget for the Home You Buy
Understand assessed value, supplemental bills, local charges and exemptions when planning California homeownership costs.