Tom Huntley, Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS ID: 251159

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Tom Huntley, Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS ID: 251159 Lic. by Dept. of Financial Protection and Innovation under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act. P The Renovation Loan offers some great features.

As a top renovation lending professional, Team Huntley is knowledgeable about a wide range of different loan programs in order to serve your unique needs and financial goals. Whether you're making a first time purchase, a second home purchase or looking to refinance, Team Huntley can help you. Team Huntley is also an expert on 203k Renovation Lending, a program particularly well suited for buyers of fixer-uppers and REOs in need of repair. Homebuyers can finance both the purchase and future repairs on their new home with one loan. The amount of money you are permitted to borrow for the purchase and renovations is based on the increased value of your home after improvements are made. Also, because renovation costs are spread throughout the entire term of the loan, monthly payments are often lower than other financing options. With the loan, there is also no need to delay improvements. You can start in immediately after closing. Another great feature is the loan's simplicity - one application, one set of fees and closing costs, one closing to attend and one payment each month. The interest on the cost of your improvements, included in your mortgage, may be tax deductible as well. Team Huntley values your business and will provide you with the best professional service and mortgage solutions that make most sense for you and your unique financial situation and real estate goals. Please contact Tom Huntley if you’d like more information about our Renovation Loan, or any other mortgage financing solution. We offer other Renovation Mortgages – including HomeStyle® Renovation– to meet the needs of our borrowers for primary residences, second homes and investors. I look forward to working with you! nmlsconsumeraccess.org

First-time homebuyers could get $50,000 under new billThere's a new bill on the table that could make a real difference ...
10/17/2026

First-time homebuyers could get $50,000 under new bill
There's a new bill on the table that could make a real difference for first-time homebuyers: up to $50,000 in federal matching funds toward a down payment, with a 5-to-1 match. To qualify, buyers would need to complete counseling and choose homes priced at or below the local median. As someone who's helped a lot of first-time buyers navigate their options in Sonoma and Napa, I know how big a hurdle that initial down payment can be. Programs like this one—if it passes—could open the door for many folks who’ve been sidelined by affordability. Of course, there’s debate about whether it might push prices higher without addressing the need for more homes on the market. But for buyers looking to get started, understanding these opportunities (and their fine print) is key. With my focus on first-time buyer approvals and deep experience in renovation and construction lending, I always keep an eye on ways to make homeownership more attainable in our community.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tom-huntley/2113999-First-time-homebuyers-could-get-%2450%2C000-under-new-bill

Smaller Down Payments Give Buyers More Room, But Rates Limit The SavingsWe're seeing typical homebuyer down payments dip...
10/16/2026

Smaller Down Payments Give Buyers More Room, But Rates Limit The Savings
We're seeing typical homebuyer down payments dip to $27,100 in Q2 2026—the lowest level since 2021. This trend is largely driven by a boost in inventory and lower list prices, which can help buyers keep more cash on hand at closing. However, with higher mortgage rates, those monthly payments have moved up, offsetting some of the up-front savings. As someone who’s spent 25+ years guiding clients through the ins and outs of home loans in Sonoma and Napa, I’ve noticed down payments can vary quite a bit depending on how competitive a market is. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or exploring renovation options, understanding the full picture is key.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tom-huntley/2114001-Smaller-Down-Payments-Give-Buyers-More-Room%2C-But-Rates-Limit

10/15/2026

Homebuyers Can Shape Their Mortgage Rate
It's easy to think mortgage rates are set in stone, but recent analysis of 1.35 million US purchase loans (from early 2023 through late 2025) tells a different story: homebuyers actually have more control than they may realize. Even within the same month, the middle 80% of borrowers landed in a spread of 93 basis points—on a $2,000 monthly budget, that’s roughly $28,400 in home price flexibility. The biggest factor? Credit scores. A jump from the high 600s to 720 can make a real difference, with 700 and 720 serving as key thresholds to watch. But don’t underestimate the power of shopping around: among retail lenders, the most competitive ones beat the typical lender by 19 basis points, which translates to about $5,800 in savings. Interestingly, putting 20% down only improved rates by 0.7 basis points—so the real advantage there is in avoiding mortgage insurance, not the rate itself. After 25 years helping buyers in Sonoma and Napa navigate their options, I’ve seen firsthand how informed decisions can open up possibilities. The right guidance can make all the difference in securing terms that fit your goals.

10/14/2026

Trust Deeds vs. Mortgages

10/12/2026

Bargain Hunting With Rates Above 7%
With mortgage rates holding above 7% and Treasury yields nudging borrowing costs higher, many buyers are understandably keeping a close eye on affordability these days. Over my 25 years in the lending business here in Sonoma and Napa, I’ve seen how important it is to plan ahead—especially in times like this. Recent studies suggest building a rate cushion: consider budgeting for a half-point rate increase within three months, three-quarters by six months, and a full point by a year out.

Interestingly, those who purchase later in the year often gain some leverage: homes tend to be about 5% cheaper in early Q4 compared to late Q2, with less competition and more negotiating room. Last month’s roughly five-month supply has meant buyers have had more strength at the table—whether that's on price, closing costs, discount points, or even temporary rate buydowns (a tool I regularly help clients evaluate).

If you’re still weighing your options, keep in mind that while markets are bracing for possible Fed tightening, the bigger picture is about taming inflation—which could eventually bring mortgage costs back down. Staying informed and planning strategically can put you in a strong position, even in a challenging rate environment.

10/11/2026

Honoring the Significance of Indigenous Day

How mortgage preapproval works and why it matters before buying a homeIn my 25+ years helping clients secure home financ...
10/11/2026

How mortgage preapproval works and why it matters before buying a home
In my 25+ years helping clients secure home financing across Sonoma and Napa, I've seen firsthand how essential mortgage preapproval is before you start shopping for a home. Preapproval means a lender has reviewed your credit, income, debts, and assets to confirm how much you can borrow. This process isn't just about paperwork—it's a strategic step. With preapproval in hand, your offer stands out, and you can move quickly when you find the right property. Most preapprovals are valid for 30-60 days, and while it requires documentation and a hard credit check, it gives both buyers and sellers confidence. Remember, preapproval isn't a loan guarantee, but it’s the foundation that sets you up for a smoother transaction—especially if you're a first-time buyer or considering renovation financing options.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tom-huntley/2069312-How-mortgage-preapproval-works-and-why-it-matters-before-buy

Homebuyers: Lending Standards Are Still Tight, but New Credit Scores May HelpIt’s no secret that the real estate market ...
10/10/2026

Homebuyers: Lending Standards Are Still Tight, but New Credit Scores May Help
It’s no secret that the real estate market is facing challenges, with home sales hovering near a 31-year low. Tighter lending standards, high mortgage rates, and rising costs are all contributing to the slowdown. As someone who’s spent over 25 years navigating home financing in Sonoma and Napa, I’ve seen the impact these conditions have on many hopeful buyers, especially first-timers. There’s some progress on the horizon: new credit score models are starting to include rent and utility payments, which could help more applicants qualify. Yet, even with these changes, many low-income and minority borrowers are still hitting roadblocks, despite proven records of paying on time. The goal is always to open doors to homeownership for more families, and it’s encouraging to see steps in that direction—especially for those who have been overlooked. Having worked extensively with FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae Homestyle, and USDA loans, I know how critical it is to consider the full financial picture. Let’s keep an eye on how these updated credit models might expand access in our communities.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tom-huntley/2079092-Homebuyers%3A-Lending-Standards-Are-Still-Tight%2C-but-New-Credi

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2600 Michelson Drive, Suite 1201
Santa Rosa, CA
92612

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