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

Owner Builder Construction Loans Essential Guide

It is exciting to have a home built just for you. But most people are unfamiliar with owner builder construction loans. Mortgage loans for new construction are a different animal, and if you want to build your home, it is smart to learn about this unique mortgage process. With the housing market continuing to surge,… Read More »

Construction Loan vs. Mortgage Loan

Buying or building a home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions—and choosing the right type of loan can make or break your experience. If you’re torn between building a dream home from the ground up or purchasing an existing property, you’ll need to compare a construction loan vs. mortgage loan to see which fits… Read More »

What FHA Loan Program Is Best for You?

It is not breaking news that FHA loans are some of the most popular on the US market today. Why? FHA loan programs are backed and insured by the Federal Housing Administration. These FHA qualifications feature more flexible underwriting requirements and rates, as well as lower down payments. All of these features make FHA mortgages… Read More »

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 »