Most Buyers Can Afford More Than They Think

by Chris Kobz, SVP & Director of California Employee Loan Program | Apr 29, 2025 | First Time Home Buyers, Home Buying

What if buying a home was easier — and more affordable — than you thought? Most buyers overestimate what it takes to qualify for a home. With the CELP Team at Fairway, it only takes a few minutes to see what’s truly possible — and you can do it all from the comfort of...

The Importance of Timing the Market: Why Waiting Could Cost You

by Chris Kobz, SVP & Director of California Employee Loan Program | Apr 1, 2025 | Home Buying, Housing Inventory, Market Update, Real Estate

The real estate market is always shifting, and right now, it’s tilting in favor of buyers. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home, this could be your golden opportunity. However, waiting too long could mean missing out on key advantages that won’t last...

Why Timing the Price, Not the Rate, Is the Key to Smart Home Buying

by Chris Kobz, SVP & Director of California Employee Loan Program | Jan 21, 2025 | First Time Home Buyers, Home Buying, Mortgage Rates, Real Estate, Selling Your Home

One of the biggest misconceptions in home buying is focusing solely on interest rates. Here’s the truth: you only get one chance to lock in a lower home price. Interest rates, on the other hand, can always be improved through a refinance when they drop in the future....

Timing is Everything, Maybe.

by Chris Kobz, SVP & Director of California Employee Loan Program | Oct 8, 2024 | First Time Home Buyers, Home Buying, Market Update, Mortgage Rates

Timing is everything, maybe. The recent jobs report was a reminder to homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance that trying to time mortgage rates is tricky and can be risky. Many people expecting lower rates were surprised when they went up instead. Last week,...

First-Time Homebuyer Guide

by Chris Kobz, SVP & Director of California Employee Loan Program | Sep 18, 2024 | Down Payment Assistance, First Time Home Buyers, Home Buying

Buying a home for the first time can feel like a big leap, especially in California where home prices can be intimidating. But don’t worry—there are several programs available that can help make homeownership more accessible and affordable. Two of the main...