Peter has been writing the real estate column “Lending a Hand” in the Santa Cruz Sentinel every week since 1995. If there is a topic you would like to see written about, call him or email him. He is always looking for new topics.

Check out some of the past columns in the archives of the Santa Cruz Sentinel by double clicking on your selected column below.

Recent columns

 County receives more funds to help first-time buyers
 No shortage of mortgage money for purchases or refinances
 No mortgage insurance and no appraisal with 3 percent down
 Grants offered to first time homebuyers
 Last-minute check could kill deal
 Refinancing may or may not make sense
 Occupancy is a big concern to lenders
 Use a cosigner to help qualify for mortgage
 Appraised value does not always validate sales price
 Comparing the temptation of an ARM with the stability of a fixed rate
 Lock in your mortgage when rates are down
 Loan pre-approvals need updating
 Seven tips for homebuyers
 Seller can pay closing costs, not down payment
 Possible to close FHA purchase in 10 days
 Refinance or purchase and have no payments with Reverse Mortgage
 Combine state and fed homebuyer tax credits and receive $18,000
 Don’t confuse financing formulas with ‘affordability’ definition
 Not everyone gets the same rate
 Home buying help for teachers and public school employees
 Mortgage insurance a necessary evil but it doesn’t last forever
 Improving economy puts upward pressure on mortgage rates
 Want to buy a home before you sell?
 New estimate rules confusing for borrowers
 County offers mortgage credit program for first-time buyers
 FHA is getting some heat and making some changes
 HUD orders new borrower disclosures
 Cash: the key ingredient for a mortgage
 Hope for homebuyers in 2010
 Mortgage industry guidelines are constantly changing
 Sellers expect a valid Preapproval
 The most often asked question: “What are the rates?”
 Unexpected drop in rates offers refinance opportunity
 Good news for 2010 conforming limits
 Don’t confuse low Prime rate with low fixed mortgage rates
 Interest-only loans are often misunderstood
 Condominiums represent an added risk to lenders
 FHA requires less cash for the down payment and closing costs
 Still time to get $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers
 Final loan approval comes at the close of escrow
 Buying a home is not for everyone
 Occupancy scrutinized for potential fraud
 The cost of waiting to buy a home
 Preapprovals misused, often misunderstood
 Still time for homebuyers to act
 Be wary of on-line mortgage solicitations
 Don’t get caught waiting for better pricing
 Prepared borrowers can close escrow quickly
 Impound accounts are not always required
 Lock in your mortgage when rates are down
 It takes median income to buy a median priced home
 Common homebuying myths
 What happens when appraised value is less than sales price?
 FHA loans gain in popularity
 Strategies to combat rising mortgage rates
 Three gifts from the government for homeowners and homebuyers
 Do not confuse affordable financing with available financing
 There is no crisis in the mortgage lending industry
 Risk-based pricing determines your rate
 Home Valuation Code of Conduct
 It’s not too late to get $8,000 tax credit this year
 Paying points makes sense today
 A checklist for prospective homebuyers
 Net profit is key income figure for the self-employed
 Sellers deserve a real ‘Pre-approval’
 Mortgage insurance provides an opportunity for homebuyers
 Reverse mortgages gain in popularity
 Track the cash or no deal
 Understanding the levels of conforming loans
 Not everyone gets the same rate
 Homebuyers may still qualify for $7500
 APR: More confusion than explanation
 Mechanics of locking in a rate
 Some factors to consider when refinancing
 Challenged borrowers have several refinancing options
 Refinancing homeowners need to get process started
 Rate drop makes homes more affordable
 Economy presents chance to refinance
 Freddie, Fannie announce conforming limits
 Guidelines tighten for move-up homebuyers
 Co-signer must accept full responsibility
 Divorcing couples have financing options
 FHA not just for first-time homebuyers
 Gift can help with a down payment
 Appraisals are key; inspections not required
 Loans still out there for the right borrower
 Another view on median home prices
 Lenders take rate locks seriously
 Freddie, Fannie bailout a relief
 New tax credit for first time buyers
 Are you ready to make an offer?
 Changes in store for FHA
 Lower price may not be best option
 Homebuyer program cuts payments
 A critical measure in lending
 Hazard insurance is required by lenders
 Loan options to combat rising rates
 Mortgage insurance makes a comeback
 Lenders signal a change in policy
 Loan program revolutionizes how mortgages are paid
 Good news on ARMs
 FHA offers refreshing mortgage options
 Property tax relief for downsizing homebuyers
 Mortgage business can be tough to read
 Uncertainty is keeping homebuyers on the fence
 Income proof not needed with some mortgages
 Loan limit hike not much of a stimulus
 Now, more than ever, cash is king
 Loan Limit brings FHA back to S.C.
 Stop the sale of personal data
 Loan approval depends on debt-to-income ratio
 Decision 2008: Fixed rate or adjustable rate?
 What would an increase in loan limits mean?
 Fed rate cut creates brief refinance opportunity
 The no point option may cost more
 Homebuyers can increase their chance of success
 Mortgage insurance tax break extended
 Lenders tighten guidelines
 Back to the mortgage basics
 When does it make sense to refinance?
 Conforming loan combination may be best choice
 Shopping for a mortgage is not easy
 Loan pays off sooner without increasing payments