ADU Financing Update: Unlock Your Home's Potential with New Loan Power (November 2025)
Liz Fischer Liz Fischer

ADU Financing Update: Unlock Your Home's Potential with New Loan Power (November 2025)

Are you ready to unlock more value from your Southern California home?

The rules of ADU financing have changed! Forget those high-interest second mortgages. The mortgage market has shifted in late 2025, bringing lower potential rates and introducing the game-changing After-Renovation Value (ARV) approach.

This means we don't just look at what your home is worth today—we look at what it will be worth after your new ADU is built. For Southern California homeowners, this often translates to thousands more in borrowing power.

Read our quick guide to see how the new ARV factor can turn your dream ADU into a profitable reality.

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Smart Ideas to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premiums
Liz Fischer Liz Fischer

Smart Ideas to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premiums

Homeowners insurance is essential, but you don’t have to overpay. With rates continuing to rise, now is the perfect time to review your policy and look for opportunities to save. Taking steps like boosting your home security, increasing your deductible, and bundling your policies could save you hundreds annually.

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What Negotiation Taught Me About Bedtime  Boundaries
Liz Fischer Liz Fischer

What Negotiation Taught Me About Bedtime Boundaries

As a mortgage professional, I spend my days navigating complex negotiations. The one thing every good negotiator knows? You must define your non-negotiables early. At home, my non-negotiable isn't the interest rate—it's 8 PM bedtime. I’ve learned that the strategies that succeed in the boardroom are the same ones needed for the bedroom: set a strict time budget, hold a firm 'closing date,' and manage all the 'stakeholders.' It’s time to secure your most valuable asset: your sanity.

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Mortgage Rate Reality: Strategies to Win in Today’s Market
Liz Fischer Liz Fischer

Mortgage Rate Reality: Strategies to Win in Today’s Market

Mortgage Rates are High. Now What?

Let's face it: The national mortgage rate headlines are scary. It feels like the cost of buying a home has never been higher, and for many homeowners, the dream of a low-rate refinance seems dead. If you've been sitting on the sidelines feeling frustrated or stuck, you're not alone.

But here’s the most important truth about today's market: The headlines don't tell your whole story.

As your broker, I'm here to tell you that this high-rate environment is actually creating new opportunities, but you have to know where to look. In this short guide, we’ll cut through the confusion and explore the simple, smart strategies that are helping both buyers and homeowners win today, from exploring a Rate Buydown to using a strategic Cash-Out Refi.

Keep reading to see the specific moves you should be making right now.

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Is Now the Right Time to Refinance?
Liz Fischer Liz Fischer

Is Now the Right Time to Refinance?

Mortgage Refinancing: Is the Window of Opportunity Open for You?

The big question is back in the spotlight: With the Federal Reserve recently nudging interest rates lower, is now the moment to finally refinance your home loan?

The market is currently a dizzying mix of hope and uncertainty. We saw a brief dip in the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, triggering a flurry of applications—but the relief was short-lived, with rates climbing right back up.

So, how do you decide if you should move now or wait it out?

This short guide will help you determine if today’s volatile market offers you a solid win. We’ll break down the three essential numbers you need to calculate—Your Current Rate, Closing Costs, and Time Horizon—to see if the savings are truly worth the expense. Plus, find out why borrowers with rates above $7\%$ have a clear green light, while those in the $5\%$ to $6\%$ range have a tougher decision.

Don't let the headlines confuse you. Read on for the clear-cut facts you need to make your move.

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Fall Fixes Every Homeowner Should Tackle Now
Liz Fischer Liz Fischer

Fall Fixes Every Homeowner Should Tackle Now

Fall Fixes: The Home Maintenance You Must Do Before Winter Hits

Stop the clock! The golden days of fall are the absolute best (and most critical) time to protect your biggest investment: your home.

With repair costs skyrocketing and high interest rates making major remodels expensive, the smart money is on maintenance and efficiency. A little effort now ensures you don't face a nightmare scenario—like a burst pipe or a broken furnace—when the first deep freeze arrives.

In this quick guide, we break down the top must-do fall fixes. You'll learn the essential steps to:

  • Prevent Costly Water Damage (clean those gutters!)

  • Cut Your Winter Energy Bills (find and seal those drafts!)

  • Safeguard Your Family and your plumbing system

Ready to weather-proof your home and save serious money? Read on for your fall maintenance checklist

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