Frequently asked questions

Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released November 5, 2026: the 30 year fixed averaged 7.18 percent, down from 7.24 percent the week before, the third weekly decline in a row. The 15 year fixed averaged 6.57 percent. A year earlier, the 30 year averaged 6.22 percent. The Mortgage Bankers Association expects the 30 year to stay above 7 percent through 2027. The Federal Reserve held its rate at 3.75 to 4 percent on October 28, 2026 and meets again December 8 and 9. Averages assume excellent credit and 20 percent down, so your quote will vary. Run the payment calculator above, then ask Yazan for your options.

Closer to balanced, with more room to negotiate than a few years ago. The California Association of Realtors put the statewide median for existing single family homes at $899,720 in September 2026, up 1.7 percent from a year earlier, while sales fell 6.5 percent. Homes sit longer and price reductions are common, so buyers have leverage. Well priced homes still sell. Ask Yazan for your city's numbers.

Altos Research, November 2, 2026: Riverside County homes spent a median of 108 days on the market, and San Bernardino County homes spent a median of 124 days. Riverside had 6,371 active listings, median $655,490, at $326 per square foot. San Bernardino had 5,713 active listings, median $525,000, at $322 per square foot. Ask Yazan for the pace on your street.

FHA allows 3.5 percent down with a credit score of 580 or higher. Conventional allows as little as 3 percent down. VA and USDA allow 0 percent down for eligible buyers. On a $600,000 home, 3.5 percent is $21,000. More down lowers your payment and can remove mortgage insurance, but it is not required to start. Try the affordability calculator above, then ask Yazan to connect you with a lender.

CalHFA counts you as a first time buyer if you have held no ownership interest in a principal residence in the past three years. MyHome offers a deferred junior loan up to 3.5 percent of the price with an FHA first mortgage, or 3 percent with a conventional first, within county income limits. A homebuyer education course is required. GSFA Platinum offers up to 5.5 percent, with no first time buyer requirement and no maximum purchase price. Dream For All offered up to 20 percent, capped at $150,000, as a shared appreciation loan for first generation buyers. Its 2026 window closed March 16, 2026 and awards were lottery based. Programs change. Ask Yazan what fits you today.

Yazan reviews recent comparable sales for your street, along with your lot, upgrades, condition, and timing. Online estimates cannot see those details, and those details move real prices. Contact Yazan through the form on this page and he will prepare a valuation based on recent nearby sales.

Start with your expected sale price. Subtract your mortgage balance, the commissions you agree to pay, and closing costs such as escrow, title, and transfer fees. The seller calculator above runs the math. Commission is negotiable. Ask Yazan for a net sheet built for your home before you list.

Lenders commonly look for housing costs near 28 percent of gross monthly income and total debts under 36 percent. The affordability calculator above turns your income, debts, down payment, and rate into an estimated price. A lender preapproval is the figure sellers take seriously. Ask Yazan to connect you.

It depends mostly on how long you will stay. Rent never builds ownership. Buying builds equity with every principal payment, but adds upfront, maintenance, and selling costs. Three years or more is usually where buying pulls ahead. The rent versus buy calculator above compares your total rent with the cost of owning over your timeline.

Yazan serves buyers and sellers across Southern California. His core areas are Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles. For areas outside that list, use the contact form below to ask.