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Street in Saisalito, CA, USA.
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Stuck in a Second Mortgage in the Bay Area? Hit Reset With Equity Sharing

Many Bay Area homeowners are feeling the squeeze from their second mortgage or HELOC. Monthly payments might be creeping higher. Variable rates might be climbing. And everyday living costs in the Bay Area — from groceries to insurance to childcare — aren’t exactly trending down. What once felt like a smart way to access cash has now become another source of monthly stress.

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Couple reviewing list of homeowner requirements so they can avoid common home buying mistakes.
Homeownership
Common Home-Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a home is exciting! But it can also be overwhelming. With so many moving parts, it’s easy for first-time buyers (and even seasoned homeowners) to miss a step that ends up costing time, money, or peace of mind.

warm cozy bedroom with a large outdoor window so you remember your winter home maintenance checklist and stay cozy.
Homeownership
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist: Protect Your Home During the Coldest Months

When temperatures drop and winter storms roll in, your home becomes your shelter from the elements. But it also needs a little extra care to stay safe, efficient, and comfortable. Winter is a time to focus on prevention: avoiding frozen pipes, heat loss, and water damage while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Person making a plan in reference to eshl vs home equity loan renovations
Renovations & Remodeling
Equity Sharing Home Loan vs Home Equity Loan for Renovations

Many homeowners turn to their home equity as a source of cash, and one of the most common options is a traditional home equity loan. However, there might be an even better path, depending on your situation: an Equity Sharing Home Loan (ESHL).

Beautiful kitchen that is an example of a big ticket renovation worth doing.
Renovations & Remodeling
Big Ticket Renovations Worth Doing: Which Major Upgrades Pay Off (and Which Don’t)

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably have one (or more!) “dream” renovations. Think big, transformative upgrades that change how your home looks, feels, and functions. But when those projects come with price tags in the tens or even hundreds of thousands, it can be hard to decide which ones are truly worth it.

Home Renovation Funding Options
Renovations & Remodeling
2026 Home Renovation Outlook: How Homeowners Are Funding Projects Without Refinancing

Even in an uncertain housing market, homeowners continue to invest in their homes — not necessarily to flip them, but to make them more functional, efficient, and comfortable. In 2026, renovations are less about luxury upgrades and more about...

Pile of money on a laptop for an article about whether you have to pay taxes on a side hustle.
Financial Health
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on your Side Hustle?

Short answer: Yes. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through what counts as taxable income, how to report it, and when it’s worth getting professional help.

Pile of money on a laptop for an article about whether you have to pay taxes on a side hustle.
Financial Health
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on your Side Hustle?

Short answer: Yes. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through what counts as taxable income, how to report it, and when it’s worth getting professional help.

person using their device to control their smart home
Renovations & Remodeling
Smart Home Upgrades: Are They Worth It?

Smart thermostats. Voice-controlled lighting. AI-powered appliances. These days, tech is making its way into just about every corner of the modern home. But when it comes time to renovate, homeowners are asking an important question: Is it worth integrating technology into my home improvement plans?

Person reviewing 9 Options for Consolidating Debt
Financial Health
9 Options for Consolidating Debt

Debt consolidation is a financial strategy in which one combines multiple high-interest debts into a single, more manageable loan or line of credit. Ultimately, the goal of debt consolidation is to simplify debt repayment; two bonuses are that it can also potentially reduce the overall interest rate, and make monthly payments more affordable.

Financial Health
Can I use a HELOC if I’m retired, self-employed, or on disability?

Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are often associated with traditional borrowers who have steady W-2 income. However, if you're retired, self-employed, or receiving disability income, you might be wondering if this financial tool is accessible to you. The good news is that it can be – provided you meet certain criteria and understand the nuances involved.

Renovations & Remodeling
Best Renovations to Boost Home Value: 6 Smart Upgrades That Pay Off

Whether you’re planning to sell someday soon or simply want to build equity along the way, choosing renovations that increase home value can offer the best of both worlds – a more beautiful, functional home and a stronger financial future.

Home Equity
Why Tapping Your Home Equity Doesn’t Always Require a Loan

Traditional “second mortgage” options like HELOCs or home equity loans often bring larger monthly payments, stricter qualifications, and added stress – which isn’t what you need when cash flow feels tight.