Every major residential mortgage — chosen on the numbers.

Who it's for

First-time and move-up buyers navigating a competitive coastal California market.

When it makes sense

You're ready to buy and want your mortgage structured to serve the next 5–10 years, not just the closing date.

Common mistakes

• Choosing the loan with the lowest payment without checking total cost.
• Locking a rate before comparing lender credits and buydown scenarios.
• Ignoring how the loan structure affects future refinance flexibility.

When another solution may be better

If you plan to stay less than 5 years, an ARM or lender-credit strategy may cost far less.

Who it's for

Homeowners considering a lower rate, shorter term, or a change in loan structure.

When it makes sense

Break-even is well inside your expected time in the home and closing costs don't erase the benefit.

Common mistakes

• Refinancing for a lower rate but resetting the amortization clock.
• Confusing 'no cost' with 'no cost to you' — the cost is in the rate.
• Not modeling the interest you already paid vs. the interest you'll pay.

When another solution may be better

Sometimes a recast, an extra-payment plan, or a HELOC solves the actual problem better.

Who it's for

Homeowners consolidating debt, funding renovations, or repositioning equity.

When it makes sense

The blended cost is genuinely lower and the cash is going toward something durable.

Common mistakes

• Converting short-term debt into 30-year debt without doing the math.
• Cashing out at a rate materially higher than the existing loan.
• Underestimating the tax treatment of the new interest.

When another solution may be better

A HELOC or Reverse Mortgage line of credit may preserve your first-lien rate.

Who it's for

Homeowners age 62+ (some products 55+) using housing wealth as part of a retirement plan.

When it makes sense

A HECM improves cash flow, delays Social Security or portfolio draws, or protects against sequence-of-return risk.

Common mistakes

• Treating a HECM as a last resort instead of a planning tool.
• Choosing a lump sum when a growing line of credit is more valuable.
• Not involving family and the financial advisor in the decision.

When another solution may be better

A traditional refinance, downsizing, or HELOC may be a better fit — Rod will say so if it is.

Who it's for

Buyers of higher-priced homes above conforming loan limits.

When it makes sense

You need underwriting flexibility for assets, self-employment income, or unique property types.

Common mistakes

• Assuming jumbo pricing is always worse than conforming.
• Missing niche jumbo programs that fit your specific profile.

When another solution may be better

Splitting into a conforming first + second lien can outperform a single jumbo in some markets.

Who it's for

Buyers who benefit from lower down payment or more forgiving credit criteria.

When it makes sense

You need the FHA underwriting profile and the MIP cost is acceptable for your timeline.

Common mistakes

• Staying in an FHA loan longer than needed and overpaying MIP for years.

When another solution may be better

Refinancing to a conventional loan once equity and credit allow can save thousands per year.

Who it's for

Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying spouses.

When it makes sense

You want the most competitive terms available and want to preserve cash.

Common mistakes

• Not comparing VA to conventional on properties where either would work.

When another solution may be better

For high-price California properties, a VA-plus structure or jumbo VA may fit better.

Who it's for

Well-qualified borrowers seeking the widest range of terms and pricing.

When it makes sense

Your credit and equity make conventional the mathematically strongest choice.

Common mistakes

• Accepting standard PMI without exploring lender-paid or single-premium alternatives.

When another solution may be better

In specific cases FHA or a portfolio loan can beat conventional on total cost.

Who it's for

Homeowners approaching or in retirement who want housing decisions integrated with the financial plan.

When it makes sense

Cash flow, taxes, longevity risk, and legacy goals all deserve to sit at the same table as the mortgage.

Common mistakes

• Paying off the mortgage 'because that's what you do' — without modeling the alternative.
• Ignoring the HECM line of credit as a standby liquidity tool.

When another solution may be better

A written plan should compare pay-down, refinance, HECM, and downsizing — not pick one by default.