Rates are the single most-discussed number in real estate right now, and also one of the most misunderstood. Here's how the buyers we work with are actually navigating them.
Marry the home, date the rate
The old adage exists for a reason. If the home is right, the financing can be restructured later. Waiting for a perfect rate has cost more buyers more money than any single rate cycle in memory.
Buy-downs and seller credits
In a market where sellers are more open to concessions, a well-negotiated 2-1 buy-down can meaningfully lower your first two years of payments without touching the sale price.
ARMs are back on the table
For the right buyer with a defined time horizon, a 7- or 10-year ARM is worth a real conversation with your lender. Not for everyone — but no longer a fringe idea.
Trusted Vendors
Professionals we rely on across Orange County
The lenders, designers, inspectors, and craftsmen we recommend for the work discussed in this article.
Lending
Coastal Mortgage Partners
Jordan Reyes
(949) 555-0114
Newport Beach · Irvine · Orange County
Escrow & Title
Pacific Heritage Escrow
Monica Alvarez
(949) 555-0187
Newport Beach · Orange County
Home Inspection
Meridian Property Inspections
David Chen
(714) 555-0142
Yorba Linda · Chino Hills · Orange County
Interior Design
Studio Norte
Isabel Marchetti
(949) 555-0163
Newport Beach · Irvine
General Contractor
Rulloda Build Co.
Marcus Rulloda
(714) 555-0198
Yorba Linda · Chino Hills · Orange County
Landscape Architecture
Cypress & Stone
Nathan Park
(949) 555-0121
Newport Beach · Irvine
Staging
Meridian Home Staging
Elena Voss
(949) 555-0176
Newport Beach · Irvine · Orange County
Insurance
Harbor Point Insurance
Priya Shah
(714) 555-0135
Orange County
Photography & Media
Atelier Visual
Thomas Hale
(949) 555-0159
Newport Beach · Orange County
The Rulloda Group receives no compensation for these referrals. Vendors are recommended based on trust, craft, and consistency of results for our clients.
