By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn NEXA Mortgage Rebrands as NEXA Lending: The Complete Story The mortgage industry watched with interest as the nation’s largest mortgage brokerage announced a major rebrand in October 2025. NEXA Mortgage—long known for championing the “Brokers Are Better” movement—rebranded as NEXA Lending and shifted its messaging from broker advocacy to […]
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn When tragedy strikes, your family shouldn’t face both grief and financial catastrophe. Yet thousands of families lose their homes every year because the primary earner passed away without protection. Mortgage protection insurance creates a financial safety net that ensures your loved ones can stay in their home even when
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn You’re 72 hours away from your closing date. The house you’ve dreamed about is almost yours. Yet between now and sitting at that closing table, you’ll encounter a process that trips up even experienced buyers. The final walkthrough seems straightforward until you discover the sellers removed fixtures you expected.
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn Introduction Not every home purchase fits into a standard lending box. Life’s most meaningful real estate transactions often involve unique circumstances that require creative solutions. Whether you’re navigating clouded titles, buying from family, purchasing in flood zones, or financing as a foreign national, specialized mortgage programs exist. These aren’t
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn Introduction Navigating the landscape of types of home mortgage loans can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to choose the right financing for your unique situation. Whether you’re a first-time buyer searching for minimal initial capital options, a veteran exploring military benefits, or an investor building rental property wealth,
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn Home renovation transforms living spaces while building equity. Whether updating a single room or undertaking whole-house improvements, understanding the planning process and financing options creates successful outcomes. This comprehensive handbook covers everything from initial maintenance decisions through project completion, with special focus on renovation financing strategies that maximize value
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn Understanding Market Cycles: Your Complete Guide to Real Estate, Stock Market, and Economic Timing Understanding market cycles isn’t just about predicting the future—it’s about positioning yourself to thrive regardless of which direction markets move. Whether you’re investing in real estate, building wealth through stocks, or planning your financial future,
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn You’re about to close on your first rental property. The numbers work, the location checks out, and you’re ready to start building wealth through real estate. But here’s the reality check nobody warned you about: becoming a landlord means accepting a specific set of legal responsibilities that don’t care
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn Every new real estate investor asks the same question after closing on their first rental property: “Can’t I just keep my regular homeowners insurance?” The answer is no. And learning that lesson after a tenant lawsuit or property damage claim can cost you everything you’ve worked to build. Landlord
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn Choosing the right types of investment properties determines whether you build lasting wealth or struggle with underperforming assets. Every property type offers distinct advantages, unique challenges, and specific financing requirements that directly impact your returns. Investment property selection isn’t about picking what sounds exciting or following trends. It’s about
By Jim blackburn By Jim blackburn High-income real estate investors and business owners frequently face substantial tax obligations—federal marginal rates reaching 37%, state taxes adding 5-13%, and net investment income surtaxes contributing additional 3.8% potentially creating combined effective rates exceeding 50% in high-tax states. A couple earning $500,000 annually might pay $150,000-$200,000 in income taxes,