Mortgage insights, market updates, and real estate guidance from Chris Johnson.
If you paused your home search in the last two years, you're not alone — and the market you're returning to has shifted. Here's what to do first.
August 12, 2026
ARM volume has hit its highest level since 2023. Here's what's driving it, how today's ARMs differ from pre-2008 products, and how to know if one is right for you.
August 6, 2026
Luxury Bay Area sales are up 22% year-over-year, driven by AI wealth — while entry-level buyers face a different market entirely. Here's how to know which one you're in.
July 29, 2026
"Ready" isn't just a down payment number — it's timing, financing, and knowing what you're looking for. Here's a free 2-minute assessment to find out where you stand.
July 23, 2026
A surprise supplemental tax bill is the most common post-close surprise for Bay Area buyers. Here's exactly why it happens and how it's calculated.
July 15, 2026
Once your offer is accepted, the mortgage process can feel like a black box. Here are the 8 stages every California purchase moves through, explained simply.
July 8, 2026
PMI can add $500-$1,000+ a month on a Bay Area jumbo-adjacent loan. Here are four real strategies to avoid or eliminate it.
July 1, 2026
The honest answer is probably less than you think. Here's how Santa Clara County's three loan tiers change the down payment math entirely.
June 26, 2026
We're at the midpoint of 2026 and the South Bay market is sending mixed signals. Here's what the data actually shows and who it favors right now.
June 24, 2026
Prices surging in one neighborhood while softening in another isn't your imagination — the Bay Area market is splitting in two. Here's what's driving it.
June 17, 2026
