The blog
Plain-English articles on buying, refinancing and borrowing in Arizona, written to answer the questions Pete hears every week.
Refinancing
When does refinancing actually make sense? Start with your break-even point
A lower rate isn’t automatically a better deal. The break-even test tells you whether a refinance will pay for itself.
October 15, 2026, 2 min read
Loan programs
Self-employed? Four ways to qualify for a mortgage when your tax returns look thin
Smart write-offs can make your income look smaller on paper. These options let lenders see what you actually earn.
October 13, 2026, 2 min
Arizona
Buying a new build in Arizona? Plan for the first-year property tax jump
Many new-construction buyers see their payment rise after the first year. Here’s why it happens and how to budget for it from day one.
October 10, 2026, 2 min
Arizona
Arizona down payment assistance in 2026: Home Plus vs. Arizona Is Home
Arizona’s two statewide-run assistance programs work very differently. Here’s who each one is for, where it’s available, and how the help is repaid.
October 8, 2026, 2 min
Buying a home
Pre-qualified vs. pre-approved: what Arizona sellers actually want to see
The two sound alike, but sellers treat them very differently. Here’s the difference, and how to get the one that makes your offer stand out.
October 6, 2026, 2 min
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