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Part 2: How to Lower Your Mortgage Payment in 2026 — Seller Credits, 2-1 Buydowns and Points, Explained
Posted on October 11, 2026 Leave a Comment
Seller credits, 2-1 buydowns and points can lower your mortgage payment. Real examples for a $525,000 Central Valley home.
Part 1: Should You Buy a Home When Mortgage Rates Are Above 7%? What Lodi and San Joaquin County Buyers Should Know
Posted on October 9, 2026 Leave a Comment
Quick answer: Mortgage rates averaged 7.28% for a 30-year fixed in early October 2026, about a point higher than a year earlier. But high rates have pushed many buyers to the sidelines, which has given the buyers who remain more negotiating power — including seller-paid closing costs and rate buydowns. Whether buying makes sense depends […]
Choosing a Home That Fits a Single-Parent Life
Posted on October 6, 2026 Leave a Comment
Learn how to choose a home that supports a single-parent family’s budget, commute, childcare, maintenance needs, and daily routine.
Four Numbers to Know Before Buying on One Income
Posted on October 1, 2026 Leave a Comment
A practical guide for single parents evaluating homeownership on one primary income If you are buying a home on one income, the most important number is not necessarily your maximum loan approval. A preapproval is an essential step, but it answers only one question: how much might a lender allow you to borrow? You still […]
Buying a Home as a Single Parent – Start Here
Posted on September 29, 2026 Leave a Comment
A practical guide for single parents evaluating homeownership on one primary income If you are raising a child or children on one primary income, buying a home can bring two very different thoughts to mind: “I want a place that feels like ours.” And then: “What happens if the mortgage stretches me too far?” Both […]
Central Valley Market Watch: Why Today’s Sellers Might Be More Nervous Than You Are
Posted on September 14, 2026 Leave a Comment
If you’re house hunting in Lodi, Stockton, Elk Grove, Galt, Manteca, Tracy, Modesto, or Sacramento right now, you’ve probably heard the same thing from everyone around you: rates are high, it’s still a seller’s market, and you should just wait. I understand why people are concerned that rates are sitting in the mid-6% range, with […]
Facing Foreclosure in California? Here’s What You Need to Know
Posted on September 4, 2026 Leave a Comment
By Jesse Rivas | Jesse Rivas Realty | jesserivas.kw.com If you’re worried about losing your home — or if you already have — this post is for you. I’m Jesse Rivas, a licensed real estate agent serving the Central Valley and East Bay. I’ve been through foreclosure myself. I know what it feels like. And […]
3 Things That Determine Whether Your Home Sale Is Smooth or Frustrating
Posted on August 26, 2026 Leave a Comment
A straight-talk guide for sellers in Lodi, Stockton, and the Central Valley. By Jesse J. Rivas, Realtor® | Keller Williams Central Valley | Mid-Year 2026 Every week I talk to homeowners who are thinking about selling. And I’ll be honest with you: the difference between sellers who have a smooth, profitable experience and those who […]
The Real Numbers: Mid-Year 2026 Central Valley Market Report
Posted on August 25, 2026 Leave a Comment
What’s actually happening in Lodi, Stockton, Tracy & Manteca, and what it means for your next move. By Jesse J. Rivas, Realtor® | Keller Williams Central Valley | Mid-Year 2026 If you own a home in Lodi, Stockton, or anywhere in the Central Valley and you’ve been thinking about selling, here’s my promise to you: […]
How to Get Top Dollar When Selling Your Home
Posted on July 14, 2026 Leave a Comment
Published by Jesse J. Rivas | Jesse Rivas Realty | Keller Williams Every seller wants the same thing: sell fast, sell high, and move on with as little stress as possible. The difference between a good sale and a great sale usually comes down to strategy, not luck. Here’s what actually moves the needle when […]
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