Recent Articles
Mortgage Rates Near 11 Month Lows—What’s Next With the Fed?
The average 30-year fixed is holding near the lowest levels since October 2024 after a weak jobs report and cooler inflation. Here’s why—and what to watch at next week’s Fed meeting.
Published on 09/12/2025
What Is a Piggyback Loan?
A piggyback loan pairs your first mortgage with a second (fixed home-equity loan or HELOC) so you can keep your first at 80%, avoid PMI, and bypass jumbo pricing—often with less cash due at closing. Here’s how it works, who benefits, and what to watch out for.
Published on 09/05/2025
Why Mortgage Rates Move: What Every Homebuyer Should Know
Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows—but don’t assume they’ll stay there. Learn why rates move, what drives them, and what smart buyers and homeowners should do next.
Published on 09/03/2025
Mortgage Rates Holding Steady… For Now
After Powell's Jackson Hole speech, mortgage rates hit their lowest levels since Oct 2024. But don’t get too comfortable—more movement could be coming after Friday’s inflation data and next week's jobs report.
Published on 08/27/2025
Conventional One-Time Close Construction Loans: A Complete Guide
A Conventional One-Time Close (OTC) construction loan lets you finance your build and your permanent mortgage with a single closing. You’ll make interest-only payments during construction on the funds drawn, then the loan converts to a long-term fixed or ARM when the home is complete—no second closing. Benefits include one set of fees, extended rate-lock protection (often with float-down options), cancellable PMI above 80% LTV, and the ability to use existing lot equity toward your down payment. Get an appraisal “subject to completion,” approve your builder and plans, set a realistic draw schedule and contingency, and avoid change-order overruns. This guide covers eligibility, the step-by-step process, costs, PMI choices, and FAQs so you can decide if a conventional OTC is the right path for your new home.
Published on 08/21/2025
Lower Rates? Don’t Relax Just Yet
Mortgage rates stayed mostly flat this week, holding near 10-month lows. Here’s what happened from August 18–20 and why upcoming economic data could shake things up.
Published on 08/20/2025
Mortgage Rates at 10-Month Lows! Big Opportunity!
Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows after early August’s jobs report and mixed inflation data. Here’s what homebuyers and homeowners need to know.
Published on 08/14/2025
Understanding Today's Mortgage Rates: What You Need to Know
Curious about today's mortgage rates? Learn how current mortgage rates affect your monthly payments and the total cost of your home loan. Discover tips for securing the best rates with Mojave River Mortgage and get expert insights on factors influencing mortgage rates today.
Published on 08/11/2025
Rates Just Hit a 10-Month Low!
Mortgage rates just hit their lowest levels since October 2024 following a big shift in the bond market. Here’s why it matters for homebuyers and homeowners.
Published on 08/05/2025
Housing Market Confusing? Here’s Why You’re Hearing Mixed Messages
Confused by the housing market? You're not alone. Here's why the market feels hot and cold at the same time—and what it means for you as a homebuyer.
Published on 07/30/2025
Could Removing Capital Gains Taxes on Home Sales Revive the Housing Market?
A new proposal suggests removing capital gains taxes on primary home sales to boost the housing market. Here’s what it could mean for homeowners and buyers.
Published on 07/23/2025
Game-Changer: Credit Scores Just Got Rewritten
A new credit scoring update could impact who qualifies for a mortgage and at what rate. Learn what this means for first-time buyers and why now is the time to speak with your loan officer.
Published on 07/16/2025
Should You Buy a Home Before Your Divorce is Final? Here’s What to Know
Buying a house before your divorce is finalized? Here’s why it could create legal and financial complications—and how to plan smart.
Published on 07/08/2025
Empowered Down Payment Assistance Programs: Unlock 0% Down Home Loans for Everyday Heroes
Looking for a 0% down payment loan? The Empowered Down Payment Assistance Programs help military personnel, first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, civil servants, and nonprofit staff achieve homeownership with little to no money down.
Published on 06/26/2025
VA Renovation Loan: Buy & Fix Your Home with Zero Down for Veterans
The VA Renovation Loan helps veterans buy or refinance a home and include up to $100K in repairs or upgrades—all with zero down. Perfect for fixing roofs, kitchens, HVAC, or making homes safer and more modern. Learn how this powerful VA loan works, who qualifies, and what you can fix with it.
Published on 06/26/2025
🏢 What Is a Non-Warrantable Condo? | Fannie Mae vs. Freddie Mac Condo Guidelines Explained
Buying a condo? Learn what a non-warrantable condo is, why some condos are ineligible for conventional financing, and how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac condo guidelines differ. Discover how to navigate HOA issues, investor ratios, and litigation concerns that impact condo loan approvals—and how Mojave River Mortgage can help you secure the right financing, even for non-conforming or portfolio-only condos.
Published on 06/26/2025
Why Homeownership Is Still Worth It—Even Beyond the Finances
From mental health benefits to stronger communities, homeownership offers more than just a return on investment—it offers a better quality of life.
Published on 06/25/2025
Mortgage Rates Aren’t Just About the Fed — Here’s What You Really Need to Know
Mortgage rates held steady this week—but not for the reasons you think. Here’s why working with a loan officer beats doing your own research when timing the market.
Published on 06/20/2025
The Real Estate Rule That Just Got Repealed—And Why It’s a Big Win for Buyers
The National Association of Realtors repealed a rule that kept some listings hidden—thanks in part to pressure from homebuyers, tech platforms, and even the DOJ. Learn how this boosts your home search.
Published on 06/13/2025
Rent vs. Buy in 2025: Is Now the Right Time to Purchase a Home in California?
Is it smarter to rent or buy in 2025? With rising home prices and interest rates hovering around 6.75%, many California buyers are unsure. This guide from Mojave River Mortgage breaks down the real numbers for first-time buyers, move-up homeowners, and real estate investors—showing how homeownership can build equity, reduce taxes, and set you up for long-term wealth, even in today’s market.
Published on 06/10/2025