Notes & Updates

Home financing, explained plainly.

Short, honest notes on mortgages, buying in California, and what market changes actually mean for you — no jargon, no sales pitch.

Home buying

What to bring to your first mortgage meeting

Numbers to know, documents to gather, and questions to ask any loan originator — whether you're meeting me or anyone else. Includes a printable checklist.

Jasper Liu 6 min read
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Loan basics

How much down payment do you actually need?

The 20% rule is a myth. Real minimums by loan type, what PMI costs and when it goes away, and how to decide how much to actually put down.

Jasper Liu 5 min read
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Loan basics

What credit score do you need to buy a home?

Minimums by loan type, how your score affects your rate (not just your approval), what's actually in your FICO score, and what not to do before closing.

Jasper Liu 5 min read
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Paperwork

How to read your Loan Estimate

Every buyer gets one within 3 days of application. Almost nobody understands it. Here's every section explained, what to compare between lenders, and red flags to watch for.

Jasper Liu 6 min read
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Home buying

Pre-qualification vs. pre-approval: what's the real difference?

They sound interchangeable, but only one makes a seller take your offer seriously. Here's what each actually means, what I'll ask you for, and when you need which.

Jasper Liu 5 min read
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