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One of the most common questions I hear is: “How much money do I need to make to afford a decent house these days?” It’s an honest question—and the answer isn’t always as simple as plugging numbers into a calculator. Let’s break it down. What “Decent” Really Means When someone says decent house, that can mean a $200,000…

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Reverse mortgages (also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages, or HECMs) are one of the most misunderstood tools in the mortgage world. For the right homeowner, though, they can unlock freedom and financial peace of mind. Let’s clear the air. Who Qualifies You must be 62 years or older (both spouses, if married). You need to be equity…

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A man in a patterned pink shirt is sitting in a studio with soundproof foam walls. He has headphones resting around his neck and appears to be speaking.

On my latest Mortgage Monday segment with Johnny Manson on Local Matters, we covered everything from Jeff Bezos’ $63 million mansion sale to what’s happening right now in Grays Harbor County. Here’s a breakdown of the highlights. Bezos’ Big Sale and What It Means Jeff Bezos recently sold his Seattle estate for $63 million before officially relocating to Florida. While…

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I recently joined Johnny Manson on Local Matters to talk about what’s happening in today’s housing market. Here are the key takeaways for buyers, sellers, and homeowners considering a refinance. Mortgage Rates: Steady but Flexible Options Rates are holding steady in the mid-6% range (around 6.5%–6.75%). While that’s higher than the historic lows we saw a few…

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How Seniors in Washington Can Buy a Home Without Monthly Mortgage Payments

Did you know that if you’re 62 or older in Washington State, you can purchase a new home using a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)—commonly known as a reverse mortgage? Many retirees feel stuck in homes that no longer fit their needs, whether it’s a two-story or three-story house that’s difficult to navigate or a property that’s simply too…

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The Minimum Wage Housing Crisis An Unseen Struggle

In today’s housing market, minimum-wage earners face an uphill battle in securing affordable rental housing. A recent report by Redfin highlights the stark reality: the average minimum-wage worker in the U.S. would need to work 106 hours per week to afford a median-priced apartment. This calculation is based on an effective national minimum wage of…

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Hey everyone, Larry Burgher here with Empire Home Loans! Today, I want to highlight three key mortgage opportunities that could help homeowners, investors, and buyers make smarter financial moves. 1. Home Equity: Put Your Investment to Work Did you know that homeowners in the U.S. hold a combined $17.2 trillion in home equity? If you…

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One of the biggest challenges homeowners face when moving is the timing—selling their current home while securing their next one. The fear of being stuck with two mortgages or scrambling to find a new place after selling can create a stressful, uncertain situation. That’s where Buy Before You Sell bridge loans come in. This financial tool allows homeowners…

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For many retirees, their most valuable asset isn’t stocks or savings, it’s the equity in their home. However, when planning for retirement, many people miss this key resource. A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), can be a powerful tool to boost your retirement income, protect your investments, and ensure…

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The other day, I was having a conversation with a certified financial planner I know, and we got onto the topic of Power of Attorney (POA). It’s one of those things most people don’t think about until it’s too late, and the statistics on how many people don’t have one in place are pretty shocking.…

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