Homebuying · California
California Unclaimed Property and Your Homebuying Funds
Search the official state program safely and understand what to document before relying on recovered funds for a home purchase.
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 2 of 5
Refinancing
Cash-Out Refinance or Second Mortgage: Compare the Whole Debt
Compare replacing your first mortgage with adding a home equity loan or HELOC. Review costs, repayment time and how much cash reaches you.
Homebuying
Choosing a Mortgage Lender or Broker: Costs, Access and Service
Compare direct lenders, mortgage brokers and agent referrals using written offers, clear roles and questions about compensation.
Loan options
Choose a Mortgage by Answering Four Questions
Separate loan program, loan size, rate structure and repayment term so you can compare the features that actually affect your purchase.
Homebuying · California
Compare California Locations by the Cost of Living in the Home
Look beyond a county’s median price to insurance, taxes, travel, services and property-specific costs before expanding your home search.
Loan options
Conventional Mortgages: From Program Rules to an Actual Offer
Understand conforming eligibility, low down payment options, PMI and the questions that make a conventional loan comparison useful.
Homebuying
Mortgage Credit Scores: Eligibility, Pricing and Preparation
Understand why mortgage scores differ, how program and lender rules interact and what to review before a loan application.
Homebuying · California
Ending a California Lease While Preparing to Buy
Coordinate rental notice, possible early termination, closing uncertainty and moving costs before leaving a California rental.
Homebuying · California
Estimate a California Mortgage Payment From the Property Up
Build a payment estimate with the right loan inputs, property taxes, insurance and ownership costs instead of a statewide average.
Loan options
FHA or Conventional: Compare the Whole Loan
Compare eligibility, down payment, mortgage insurance and property requirements before choosing FHA or conventional financing.
Homebuying
Your First Home: From Budget to Closing
Plan the cash you need, compare financing and coordinate the property review without treating preapproval as a promise of funding.
Loan options
Fixed or Adjustable Rate: Read the Whole Payment Path
Learn ARM notation, indexes, margins, caps and reset dates alongside the budgeting tradeoffs of a fixed mortgage rate.