How to Partner with BFT

Get To Know Our Realtors: Cecilia Ponce De Leon!

Meet Cecilia Ponce De Leon, a dedicated Southern California realtor specializing in the beautiful regions of San Bernardino and the California mountains. With a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for helping clients find their perfect homes, Cecilia shares stunning listings that capture the essence of these picturesque areas. Whether you're looking for a serene mountain retreat or a charming home in San Bernardino, Cecilia is committed to providing exceptional service and expert guidance every step of the way. Let Cecilia Ponce De Leon be your trusted partner in discovering your dream home in Southern California.Contact her here:Website: southerncalrealtor.comEmail: [email protected] Number: +1 909-631-9960Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CeciliaPDLrealtor

Get To Know Our Realtors: Paul Marmorstein and Anjeanette Lynne

Paul Marmorstein & Anjeanette Stairs – Your Trusted Real Estate DuoPaul Marmorstein and Anjeanette Stairs are a dynamic real estate duo serving the California market with dedication, expertise, and a client-first approach. Paul, known for his background in music as the former lead vocalist of L.A. Guns, brings energy, negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of the market. Anjeanette complements their partnership with her extensive industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and commitment to exceptional client service.Together, Paul and Anjeanette provide a seamless real estate experience, whether you're buying, selling, or investing. Their combined expertise, passion for helping clients, and strong network make them a trusted team in the competitive California real estate landscape.

DSCR Loans with BFT

What is a DSCR Loan?DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio.A DSCR loan uses the income generated by a property (like rent) to determine if you qualify for a loan.Unlike traditional mortgage loans, your personal income or tax returns aren’t used to determine eligibility.This type of loan is specifically for real estate investors, not people looking to buy a home to live in.For example, if you’re self-employed and need a home loan, this wouldn’t be the right fit, but other loan options exist for you.How Does It Work?Lenders calculate the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR):They compare the property’s annual net income (after expenses) to the total yearly mortgage payments.Formula: DSCR=Property Net IncomeMortgage Payments\text{DSCR} = \frac{\text{Property Net Income}}{\text{Mortgage Payments}}DSCR=Mortgage PaymentsProperty Net Income​Example:If the property earns $15,000/year and mortgage payments are $12,000/year, DSCR = 15,00012,000=1.25\frac{15,000}{12,000} = 1.2512,00015,000​=1.25.This is considered good because it shows you can cover your mortgage and still have some income left.Key Benchmark:Most lenders want a DSCR of 1.25 or higher. This means the property generates 25% more income than the debt costs.Pros of DSCR Loans:No personal income verification: Ideal for investors whose tax returns don’t fully reflect their income (e.g., self-employed individuals or those with deductions).No limit on the number of loans: You can have multiple DSCR loans at once, helping you expand your property investments faster.Tailored to real estate investors: If rental properties are your primary income, this loan works better for your unique financial situation.Cons of DSCR Loans:Higher costs:You might need a bigger down payment (e.g., 20-25% of the property price).Interest rates are usually higher than traditional home loans.More money upfront: Because of the larger down payment and interest, these loans can require more initial capital.Only for income-generating properties: This type of loan doesn’t work for personal home purchases.Why Choose a DSCR Loan?If your rental income is your main source of earnings, DSCR loans let you qualify for financing even when tax filings don’t show high income.They’re flexible for building large property portfolios, provided you can maintain strong property income and DSCR for each loan.

Fixed Rate HELOC with BFT

What is a Fixed-Rate HELOC?A fixed-rate HELOC combines features of a home equity loan and a traditional home equity line of credit (HELOC). Here's how it works:Regular HELOC vs. Fixed-Rate HELOC: A regular HELOC works like a credit card with a variable interest rate, while a fixed-rate HELOC lets you lock in a stable interest rate on all or part of the borrowed amount, like a second mortgage.Protects Against Rate Changes: By freezing your rate, a fixed-rate HELOC shields you from market interest rate increases, giving you predictable payments.Flexibility to Withdraw: You can still withdraw as much or as little of your available credit as needed during the draw period, just like with a variable-rate HELOC.Fixed Payments: Once you lock in a fixed rate, your payments stay consistent, offering financial stability.You can usually convert to a fixed rate at closing or anytime during the draw period, depending on your lender. Terms for the fixed portion can range from 5 to 30 years, and you'll pay it back with regular monthly payments, similar to a traditional mortgage.This option provides the flexibility of a HELOC with the stability of fixed-rate payments.Disclaimers:Figure Lending LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Figure Technology Solutions, Inc., a financial technology company.The Figure Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw .Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing, or that require a waiting period prior to closing.To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you continue and submit an application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.A Figure HELOC is secured with your home as collateral, whereas personal loans and credit cards are not.Our loan amounts range from a minimum of $15,000 to a maximum of $400,000. For properties located in AK, the minimum loan amount is $25,001 and for properties located in TX, the minimum loan amount is $35,000. Your maximum loan amount may be lower than $400,000, and will ultimately depend on your home value, lien position, credit profile, verified income amount, and equity available at the time of application. We determine home value and resulting equity through independent data sources and automated valuation models.Available APRs range from 6.95% to 16.35%, which includes the payment of a higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced interest rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states. The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select five year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms. Your actual rate will depend on many factors such as your credit, combined loan-to-value ratio, loan term, occupancy status, and whether you are eligible for and choose to pay a higher origination fee in exchange for a lower rate. Rates change frequently so your exact APR will depend on the date you apply. APRs for home equity lines of credit do not include costs other than interest. You will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of your initial draw, depending on the state in which your property is located and your credit profile. You may also be responsible for paying the costs of valuation if an AVM is not available for your property ($180), manual notarization if your county doesn’t permit eNotary ($380), and recording fees ($0 - $315) and recording taxes, which vary by state and county ($0-$1,400 per one hundred thousand dollars borrowed). Property insurance is required as a condition of the loan and flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone.You should consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest and charges to your Figure Home Equity Line.

Reverse Mortgages with BFT

Understanding Reverse Mortgages: A Simple GuideReverse mortgages often sound intimidating due to their complicated terms and past misconceptions. But they’re simpler than they seem!Think of it this way: A reverse mortgage lets you access the money (equity) tied up in your home while you continue living there. Instead of selling your house to get cash, you borrow against its value and receive payments, like turning your home into your personal bank.You can use the money however you like—whether it’s funding a dream vacation, making your home more comfortable, or even going back to school. It’s your money to enjoy while staying in your home.If you’ve spent decades paying off your home, the idea of a reverse mortgage might feel unfamiliar. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:What It’s For:You own your home (or owe very little on it).You want extra money to enjoy life, but don’t want to sell your home to get it.How It Works:A reverse mortgage lender calculates how much they can lend you based on your home’s value, your age, and interest rates.Instead of making payments to a lender, you receive payments from them.Key Details:You still own and live in your home.You only repay the loan (plus interest) when you no longer live in the home full time (like if you move or pass away).You’ll never owe more than the value of your home, no matter how much you borrow.Bonus:If your home sells for more than what you owe, the leftover money is yours to keep!Reverse mortgages are often called deferred payment loans because repayment is postponed until later. This makes them a helpful option for seniors who want to boost their income without selling their home.

Get To Know Our Realtors: Karen S. Toth

Karen is a dedicated and compassionate real estate professional with a personal, caring approach to every client. She understands that buying or selling a home is a major decision, and she’s here to support you every step of the way.With Karen, you’re not just another transaction – you’re part of her mission to help families find their dream homes and build a future. She combines her deep knowledge of the local market with genuine empathy, so you can feel confident and supported in your real estate journey. Karen’s door is always open; reach out anytime by call, text, or email, and experience the difference of working with a realtor who truly cares.

Operation Christmas Child

Mission“Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Mark 10:14, ESVThe mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations.HistoryIn the summer of 1993, Samaritan’s Purse President Franklin Graham received a call from a man in England asking if he’d be willing to fill shoeboxes with gifts for children in Eastern Europe. Franklin agreed, but figured Christmas was months away. He forgot about the promise until he received a call back around Thanksgiving asking about the gifts. Franklin asked his friend, the late Pastor Ross Rhoads of Calvary Church of Charlotte to see if he could help with the need. A Sunday shortly afterward, Pastor Rhoads demonstrated for his congregation how to fill a shoebox with simple gifts and encouraged them to include a letter to the child as well. Within weeks, the church had 11,000 shoeboxes lining their hallways. Due to their generosity and additional gifts from Canada, Samaritan’s Purse sent 28,000 shoebox gifts to children in the Balkans that Christmas. Through these gifts, we communicated to children and their families what the angel said to the shepherds about Jesus’ birth: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”(Luke 2:10, ESV). Every year since, Samaritan’s Purse has collected shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for children around the world. Since 1993, more than 220 million children in more than 170 countries and territories have received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox. The project delivers not only the joy of what, for many kids, is their first gift ever, but also gives them a tangible expression of God’s love. Tens of thousands of volunteers from local churches around the world partner with us to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ at festive outreach events where children are surprised with these shoebox gifts.The Greatest JourneySeeking to follow Jesus’ command to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19), we have trained over 1.9 million volunteers from these congregations to teach The Greatest Journey, our dynamic follow-up discipleship course for shoebox recipients. Since 2009, 40.5 million children have enrolled in this 12-lesson program to learn how to follow Christ and share Him with others. More than 20.2 million of these boys and girls have made a decision to accept Jesus as their Savior during the course. Many are now praying for and sharing their faith with family and friends. As a result of this ever-expanding witness, new churches are starting and communities are being transformed!

2025 Federal Income Tax Brackets

The IRS has raised the thresholds for income tax brackets and the standard amount Americans can deduct for tax year 2025. This could mean potential tax savings on these returns that are due in April 2026.

Get to Know Our Realtors: Edrina Tadeo

Edrina Tadeo is more than a realtor; she’s a guide to the mountain lifestyle in Lake Arrowhead, Big Bear, and surrounding areas. Her passion for these communities shines through her personal, family-focused Instagram posts, where she celebrates every home sale as a meaningful milestone. She prioritizes building genuine connections, making every client feel like family. With Edrina, you’ll experience the real estate process with warmth, care, and the assurance that she understands your desire for both a home and a sense of belonging. Her expertise, paired with an approachable, personal touch, makes every client feel truly at home.

Licensing Requirements

Appraisal Fee Rebate

Applies to all purchase loans applications by December 31, 2024.Loan amount from 40,000 to 250,000, will get a $200. Loan amount from $250,001 to 500,000, will get a rebate of $400. Loan amount from $500,001 plus, will get a rebate of $600.All rebates will be provided within 60 days of closing, in the form of Visa, Mastercard or gift cards.

Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Now

Purchasing a house now can offer several significant advantages, especially in the current market conditions. Here are the top three reasons to consider buying a home now, with a detailed explanation for each:1. Higher Rates Equals Fewer BuyersHigher mortgage rates often deter many potential buyers from entering the market, which can work in your favor. When interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases, leading to a reduction in the pool of buyers. This decreased competition means that you are less likely to find yourself in a bidding war, making the home-buying process less stressful and potentially less expensive. Sellers, aware of the reduced demand, may be more willing to negotiate on price, closing costs, and other terms of the sale. Consequently, you might secure a better deal than you would in a more competitive market with lower interest rates.2. No Overbidding or Releasing ContingenciesIn a hot real estate market, buyers often feel pressured to overbid on properties and waive important contingencies, such as home inspections or financing clauses, to make their offers more attractive. These practices can lead to paying more than the property's market value and taking on significant risks. In contrast, a market with higher interest rates and fewer buyers reduces the need to engage in such aggressive tactics. You can make offers at or below the asking price, and you can include standard contingencies that protect your interests. This ensures you are not overextending financially and that you have recourse if issues arise during the home inspection or financing process.3. Better Selection of HomesWhen the market cools due to higher interest rates, homes tend to stay on the market longer. This gives you a broader selection of properties to choose from and more time to make a considered decision. You are not under the same pressure to act quickly before a desirable property is snatched up. Additionally, with a slower market, sellers may be more motivated to make their homes appealing by reducing prices or making necessary repairs and upgrades. This improved selection and the ability to take your time can lead to finding a home that better meets your needs and preferences.ConclusionIn summary, buying a house now can be advantageous due to the reduced competition resulting from higher interest rates, which allows for more favorable purchasing conditions such as not overbidding or waiving contingencies. Additionally, the market slowdown provides a better selection of homes, giving you the opportunity to make a more informed and less pressured decision. These factors together can lead to a more advantageous and less stressful home-buying experience.