Client Profile: Name: Kevin Age: 51 Occupation: Electrical engineer Goal: Sell inherited family home without paying massive capital gains Location: San Diego, CA The Situation Kevin inherited his childhood home after his mother passed away. She had purchased it in 1984 for $96,000. The home was now worth $570,000. Kevin wanted to sell it to settle her estate and reinvest the […]
Client Profile: Name: Angela Age: 56 Occupation: Nurse Status: Recently widowed Goal: Keep her home and protect her kids’ future Location: Fresno, CA The Situation Angela and her husband, Victor, had purchased their home 11 years earlier. They were both on the deed, but only Victor was on the mortgage. He passed away suddenly after a brief illness. Victor did not leave a
Refinancing isn’t just about lower payments or shorter terms. It’s about what those savings unlock — and who you get to become because of it. At Stairway Mortgage, we believe your refinance should be part of a bigger story: The story of you building wealth with wisdom, purpose, and power. How Refinancing Can Build Your
1. Refinancing Can Lower Your Interest Rate or Monthly Payments One of the most common reasons homeowners refinance is to lower their interest rate, which can reduce their monthly payments. How refinancing helps: A lower interest rate means less interest paid over time, saving you money. Lower monthly payments can free up extra cash each month for other
Why First-Time Homebuyers Should Understand Escrow Accounts 💡 Confused by the word “escrow”? You’re not alone.It sounds like complicated banker talk, but escrow is actually a simple and super helpful tool that protects your budget as a new homeowner. Once you understand how it works, you’ll wonder why anyone does it differently. 1. Escrow Is
1. Earnest Money Shows You’re Serious When you make an offer on a home, you’ll typically include earnest money—a deposit that tells the seller, “I’m committed.” It’s usually 1% to 2% of the purchase price, and it’s paid shortly after your offer is accepted. Think of it as a good faith gesture that says, “I’m
Most people think refinancing is just about chasing a lower rate. But the truth? It’s one of the most underused tools for building wealth, reducing risk, and creating long-term financial freedom. At Stairway Mortgage, we don’t just look at what a refinance can save you today — we help you understand how it can serve
If you’re 62 or older and own your home, a reverse mortgage might be the financial tool you didn’t know you needed. It’s not a scam. It’s not giving your house away.It’s a strategic way to access the wealth in your home — without selling it or making monthly payments. Here’s what you need to
If you own property, you don’t just need a title and a will — you need a plan. That plan should include a trust — because trusts aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. They’re one of the simplest and most powerful tools to: Avoid probate Protect your assets Control what happens to your real estate —
How Can I Pay Off My Home Faster? You’ve built equity. You’ve got momentum. Now you’re asking a powerful question: “How can I get out of this mortgage sooner?” Good news — we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners shorten their loan terms, save tens of thousands in interest, and move one step closer to financial freedom.
Refinancing your home doesn’t mean going it alone. At Stairway Mortgage, we believe every homeowner deserves a support team, not a sales pitch. That’s why we surround you with real people whose job is to guide, protect, and empower your journey. Here’s who’s on your side — and what they actually do. 1. Mortgage Advisor