Most Americans will never sign a loan document that says “Fannie Mae” or “Freddie Mac.” Yet these two names sit silently behind more than half the mortgages in this country. They are the invisible scaffolding of homeownership in America, shaping not just who gets a loan but at what cost, in what form, and under…

The Squeeze in 2025: Why Equity Is on the Table Here in California, we see what families are facing every day. Groceries climb higher each week, utilities and insurance keep rising, and credit card companies are charging over 21% on average. Budgets that once carried a family comfortably now snap under the weight. At the…

Former President Donald Trump is once again taking aim at one of his fiercest political rivals — California Senator Adam Schiff. This time, the accusation isn’t about politics directly but about something that hits closer to home: mortgage fraud. Trump claims that Schiff misled lenders about which of his two homes was his “primary residence,”…

In a world of rapid technological advancements, few events have caused as much turbulence in the stock market as the emergence of DeepSeek AI. The Chinese start-up has not only disrupted the global tech industry but has also ignited a price war with its American counterparts, forcing investors to rethink their strategies. Yet, while DeepSeek…

As President Donald Trump commenced his second term, his first-day executive orders sparked widespread discussion and speculation about their potential economic effects. Despite some market concerns, particularly regarding tariffs and trade agreements, mortgage rates have remained steady, signaling that these initial policy moves have had minimal impact on the housing and mortgage markets. Executive Orders…

At Independent Home Finance Inc., we stand with the communities affected by the devastating firestorms in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. In these challenging times, we want to ensure that survivors know about the financial relief available and how we can provide support to help rebuild and recover. Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced a partnership…

As of January 15, 2025, wildfires have ravaged Los Angeles and Ventura counties, causing extensive damage and displacing many residents. Four significant fires—the Palisade, Eaton, Hearst, and Auto fires—have collectively impacted tens of thousands of acres. While the Hearst fire is nearing full containment, the Palisade, Eaton, and Auto fires remain active, with varying levels…

Start Smart: The Role of Credit Scores in Mortgage Applications Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but understanding how credit scores impact your mortgage is crucial. Here’s an insider tip many don’t know: Conventional loans, like those backed by Fannie Mae, allow lenders to average the middle scores of co-applicants. For example: Your…

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, uncertainty in financial markets grows, impacting everything from stock performance to mortgage rates. While elections alone do not dictate mortgage rates, they contribute to an environment where economic conditions shift, influencing housing and interest rates. Here, we’ll explore how past elections have affected mortgage rates and what homebuyers and…

If you purchased your home in the last few years when interest rates were higher, now could be the perfect time to refinance and start saving. Thanks to recent Federal Reserve rate cuts, homeowners like you have the opportunity to lower their monthly payments and save thousands over the life of their mortgage. At Independent…