About Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy grew up in La Jolla, California surfing and carving his niche in the local real estate market. Mr. Murphy has a stellar record as a loan officer with over a decade of experience helping people secure the right home loan. He now works at Answer Home Lending in San Diego CA. NMLS #662141

FHA Property Requirements

Home buyers who want to buy their home with an FHA mortgage may discover an unpleasant surprise: They are not allowed to buy a certain property because it is not up to FHA standards. What Are the FHA Property Requirements to Get Approved? To qualify for a FHA loan, the house must meet the property… Read More »

How to Apply for the Downpayment Toward Equity Act​

The Downpayment Toward Equity Act is a legislative proposal aimed at assisting first-time, first-generation homebuyers in overcoming financial barriers to homeownership by providing substantial grants for down payments and related expenses. As of February 20, 2025, the Act has been introduced in Congress but has not yet become law. However, understanding its provisions and preparing… Read More »

Can I Use Rental Income to Qualify for a Mortgage?

Yes — you can use rental income to qualify for a mortgage in 2026, but lenders apply strict documentation and calculation rules before counting it toward your qualifying income. For an existing rental property, most conventional mortgage lenders follow Fannie Mae guidelines requiring two years of rental history documented on Schedule E of your federal… Read More »

How to Get a Construction Loan with No Money Down

Building a home from the ground up is an exciting prospect, but financing the construction process can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a large sum for a down payment. Many lenders require a significant upfront investment for construction loans, making it seem impossible for borrowers without savings. However, there are strategies and… Read More »

How to Get a Home Building Loan

Key Points on How to Get Home Building Loans in 2026 A construction loan is temporary, not permanent. It funds the build over 6 to 24 months, then converts to a mortgage or gets refinanced. You’re really arranging two loans, even when they close at once. Choose a one-time close. Construction-to-permanent means a single closing,… Read More »

FHA Mortgage for Investment Property?

You can’t use an FHA loan to buy a rental property, but you can use one to buy a building with tenants in it. FHA finances properties with up to four units at 3.5% down The allure of real estate investment often leads prospective investors to explore various financing options, including FHA mortgage loans. Many… Read More »

Can You Streamline a VA Loan?

VA Streamline Loans, or Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans (IRRRLs), are an excellent option for eligible veterans and active-duty service members seeking to lower their mortgage interest rate or monthly payments. These loans are designed to simplify the refinancing process by requiring minimal documentation, often waiving the need for an appraisal or income verification. This… Read More »

Shop for the Best Refinance Rates

It no secret that finding the best interest rate when refinancing your current mortgage starts with the shopping process. Not all banks, credit unions and lenders offer the same refinance rates for mortgages. Some lending companies are more aggressive than other banks and factors like credit scores and loan to value are part of the… Read More »

How to Get New Home Construction Loans in 2026

If you have looked for your dream home but can’t find it, you could think about building a new home. Building your own home requires a new home construction loan, and new home construction requirements for mortgages differ than for existing properties. Learn all about new home construction loans in this article and reach out… Read More »

Manufactured Loan Guidelines and Eligibility for FHA

Are you looking for an affordable manufactured home loan with a competitive FHA mortgage? Manufactured homes, sometimes referred to as mobile homes, or prefab homes, provide a more affordable, more extensive, and customized housing option than typical houses. But, that as it may, securing finances for these homes and finding resources can only become quicker… Read More »