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Street in Saisalito, CA, USA.
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Stuck in a Second Mortgage in the Bay Area? Hit Reset With Equity Sharing

Many Bay Area homeowners are feeling the squeeze from their second mortgage or HELOC. Monthly payments might be creeping higher. Variable rates might be climbing. And everyday living costs in the Bay Area — from groceries to insurance to childcare — aren’t exactly trending down. What once felt like a smart way to access cash has now become another source of monthly stress.

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Financial Health
Can You Have a Good DTI but Low Credit Score? Here’s What to Know

It might seem like keeping your debt low should guarantee a strong credit score – but that’s not always the case. In fact, it’s entirely possible to have a good debt-to-income (DTI) ratio while still having a low FICO score.

Financial Health
What is LTV?

LTV, or Loan-to-Value ratio, is a key metric used by lenders when assessing the risk of a loan, particularly mortgages. It essentially compares the amount of the loan to the appraised value of the property being financed.

Homeownership
Summer Home Maintenance: This Season's Steps to Protect Your Best Investment

Summer brings sunshine, long days, and of course – the perfect opportunity to take care of your home! Warm weather is great for relaxing, it’s also ideal for tackling key maintenance tasks that help preserve your home’s value and prevent costly repairs.

Home Equity
More Than Just Payments: How Your Home Equity Grows

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Your monthly mortgage payment may seem like just another bill, but behind the scenes, you're steadily building something far more valuable: equity.

Financial Health
10 Commonly Overlooked Tax Breaks and Deductions You Might Be Missing

When it comes to filing your taxes, missing out on valuable deductions and credits can mean leaving money on the table. Some tax breaks are easy to overlook! They may be less well-known or hidden deep within the fine print.

Financial Health
What Are Property Taxes For? How They Work and Why They Matter

When you buy a home, you’re not just investing in the property itself. You’re also committing to paying property taxes, which can feel like an extra burden. But property taxes serve an important purpose in supporting the communities we live in.

Pile of money on a laptop for an article about whether you have to pay taxes on a side hustle.
Financial Health
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on your Side Hustle?

Short answer: Yes. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through what counts as taxable income, how to report it, and when it’s worth getting professional help.

person using their device to control their smart home
Renovations & Remodeling
Smart Home Upgrades: Are They Worth It?

Smart thermostats. Voice-controlled lighting. AI-powered appliances. These days, tech is making its way into just about every corner of the modern home. But when it comes time to renovate, homeowners are asking an important question: Is it worth integrating technology into my home improvement plans?

Person reviewing 9 Options for Consolidating Debt
Financial Health
9 Options for Consolidating Debt

Debt consolidation is a financial strategy in which one combines multiple high-interest debts into a single, more manageable loan or line of credit. Ultimately, the goal of debt consolidation is to simplify debt repayment; two bonuses are that it can also potentially reduce the overall interest rate, and make monthly payments more affordable.

Financial Health
Can I use a HELOC if I’m retired, self-employed, or on disability?

Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are often associated with traditional borrowers who have steady W-2 income. However, if you're retired, self-employed, or receiving disability income, you might be wondering if this financial tool is accessible to you. The good news is that it can be – provided you meet certain criteria and understand the nuances involved.

Renovations & Remodeling
Best Renovations to Boost Home Value: 6 Smart Upgrades That Pay Off

Whether you’re planning to sell someday soon or simply want to build equity along the way, choosing renovations that increase home value can offer the best of both worlds – a more beautiful, functional home and a stronger financial future.

Home Equity
Why Tapping Your Home Equity Doesn’t Always Require a Loan

Traditional “second mortgage” options like HELOCs or home equity loans often bring larger monthly payments, stricter qualifications, and added stress – which isn’t what you need when cash flow feels tight.