Mortgage Magic

10/17/2026

Mortgage Rates Had a Surprisingly Good Week - But Why?

Here's something interesting from the mortgage world this week.

Normally, when inflation goes up, mortgage rates tend to go up too. That's because investors want higher returns when the cost of living is increasing.

Well, this week we received some bad inflation news. Prices were rising faster than economists expected, and mortgage rates initially jumped.

But then something unusual happened. Mortgage rates started falling instead!
Why? Investors became worried about the stock market, particularly technology and artificial intelligence companies. When investors get nervous about stocks, many move their money into the bond market, which they consider a safer place to invest.

When more money moves into bonds, bond prices generally rise and their yields fall. Mortgage rates often follow those yields. That's what helped mortgage rates improve this week, even though inflation was higher than expected.

So, are mortgage rates going to keep falling? Nobody knows for certain.
If the economy slows or investors continue moving money out of stocks and into bonds, mortgage rates could improve further. But if the stock market settles down and inflation remains stubbornly high, rates could move back up.

Here's something I have learned during my many years in the mortgage business: Mortgage rates don't always move the way we expect them to. And one more thing worth remembering: The Federal Reserve does not directly set mortgage rates. The bond market plays a major role.

For homeowners thinking about refinancing or buyers considering a purchase, it's worth keeping an eye on these developments.

Enjoy your weekend!

10/08/2026

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10/08/2026

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09/30/2026

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Listed at $998,000, MLS , 5 beds, 3 baths, 2-car garage, 3,549 square feet, built in 2004, 87,120, Step into your own private retreat with approximately 2 acres of beautiful land and a spacious 3,548 sq. ft. home. This property offers ample space for outdoor entertaining and gardening, wi...

09/30/2026

Here’s a true reverse mortgage story that I think homeowners and their families should know about.

Years ago, I was helping a family after the Mom passed away. She had a reverse mortgage with a balance of about $200,000, while the home was worth approximately $1.9 million ( It sold for $1,900,000)

While I was talking with the reverse mortgage company, a representative suggested making things simple by signing a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. That could have meant turning over a $1.9 million home to satisfy a $200,000 loan - with roughly $1.7 million in family equity at stake.

Fortunately, I knew better.

The Lesson. If you inherit a home with a reverse mortgage, don't panic and don't sign anything you don't fully understand. Get a current loan statement, determine the home's value, and understand your options first.

Sometimes knowing the right questions to ask can protect a lifetime of family equity.

09/29/2026

When a Family Has to Sell a Parent’s Home

Over the last few years, I've helped a number of families sell a home after the loss of a parent.

I've learned that this is very different from an ordinary home sale.

There may be years of belongings to sort through, repairs that have been put off, and sometimes title or trust matters that need to be taken care of before the home can even be sold.

My advice is simple: don't try to do everything at once.

First, make sure the family has the legal authority to sell. Also check the basics that can easily be overlooked during a difficult time - if there's a mortgage, make sure the payments remain current, and check that the homeowners insurance and essential utilities stay in place.

Then work through the belongings at a reasonable pace. After that, decide what repairs or cleanup really make sense before putting the home on the market.
Not everything needs to be fixed, and not everything needs to be perfect.

Sometimes the most valuable thing a Realtor can bring to a family in this situation isn't a sales pitch. It's experience, patience, and helping them figure out what to do next.

Buyers Realty - Mortgage Magic - Calif DRE 00979517 nmls 331360
Helping you understand the decision, not pushing you to make one.

09/26/2026

Why Mortgage Rates Jumped This Week

Mortgage rates had a rough week, with the average 30-year rate getting close to 7.5% at one point.

What happened?

A surprisingly strong economic report showed business activity growing at its fastest pace in more than five years, while costs and inflation pressures were also increasing.

That sent Treasury yields sharply higher, and mortgage rates followed.
Is the worst over?

Maybe- but next week is important. Several major employment and economic reports are coming out. If the economy continues to look stronger than expected, rates could remain under pressure. Softer numbers could give rates some room to improve.

For homeowners and buyers, the important thing to remember is that mortgage rates don't simply follow the Fed. They react every day to inflation, the economy and the bond market.

Mortgage Magic - helping people understand mortgage decisions, not just mortgage rates.

09/17/2026

Mortgage Magic
Just now

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Every once in a while a property comes along with a combination you don't see very often.

648 W. Sunnyoaks Ave. in Campbel is a single-level end unit with 2 bedrooms, a private backyard and an attached 2-car garage.

For someone who wants to simplify without giving up a yard or garage, I think this is an interesting property.

It's updated, move-in ready and offered at $810,000

Here's the virtual tour if you'd like to take a look: https://www.tourfactory.com/idxr3245190
[Tour link]

TourFactory Property Site #3245190
tours.tourfactory.com

$810,000, 2 beds, 1 baths, 948 sq ft

09/07/2026

A Little Change of Direction…

After more than 35 years in the mortgage and real estate business, I’ve decided to put a little more of my energy back into something I’ve loved for just as long; magic. 🎩

Mortgage Magic is still open, and I’m continuing to take care of my existing mortgage and real estate clients and transactions. But these days, I’m putting more of my attention into performing and growing Doug Jones Magic.

I’ve been performing comedy magic for decades, and I still get a kick out of watching someone’s face when they have absolutely no idea how something just happened right in front of them.

I’m focusing my magic on the kinds of events I really enjoy:

🎩 Adult birthday parties and private gatherings
🎩 Corporate and company events
🎩 Senior communities
🎩 Schools, camps, Scouts, churches and community groups
🎩 Fundraisers, fairs and festivals
🎩 Close-up, strolling and stand-up comedy magic

My shows are clean, interactive and designed to get people involved - not just sitting and watching.

I'm also going to be concentrating my online presence on a few places rather than trying to be everywhere. If you know someone looking for a magician for an event, I'd appreciate you keeping Doug Jones Magic in mind.

After 35+ years, I'm still having fun doing this.

And honestly, that's probably the best reason to keep doing it. 😊🎩

08/09/2026

What Does the Reverse Mortgage Proposal Show?

The proposal is designed to answer the questions most homeowners have before deciding whether to move forward.

It typically includes:

Estimated Loan Amount : An estimate of how much you may qualify to receive based on your age, your home's estimated value, current interest rates, and FHA lending limits.

Ways to Receive the Money: You'll see the different payout options available, including:

A lump sum

Monthly payments

A growing line of credit

Or a combination of these options

Estimated Closing Costs : The proposal includes estimated fees such as the appraisal, title and escrow charges, mortgage insurance, and other closing costs so there are no surprises.

Interest Rate Information : It will explain whether the loan uses a fixed or adjustable interest rate and how that affects your loan.

Existing Mortgage Payoff : If you have an existing mortgage, the proposal will show how much of the reverse mortgage proceeds would be used to pay it off.

What the Proposal Doesn't Do: A proposal is an estimate; not a loan approval.
The final numbers depend on the appraisal, verification of the information provided, and the interest rates in effect when you decide to move forward.

Your Responsibilities Don't Change : The reverse mortgage eliminates the required monthly mortgage payment, but you still remain the homeowner.

You are responsible for:
Paying your property taxes
Maintaining homeowners insurance
and keeping the home in reasonable condition

The loan generally becomes due when the last borrower (or eligible non-borrowing spouse under program rules) permanently leaves the home, sells the property, or passes away.

The Bottom Line : My goal is to make the first step as easy as possible.

Instead of asking for stacks of paperwork, I begin with just four pieces of information. If the numbers make sense, we can discuss your options and decide whether a reverse mortgage is the right solution for your situation.

There is no obligation, and many homeowners appreciate being able to see the possibilities before deciding whether to proceed.

Doug Jones nmls 286668
Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist
Mortgage Magi