Jose Salazar - Mortgage & Homes

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Jose Salazar - Mortgage & Homes Helping SoCal families & investors achieve their real estate & mortgage goals. Serving LA, OC, SB & Riverside counties. Let’s connect!

10/28/2026

🧟‍♂️🏡 THE 20% DOWN PAYMENT MYTH IS A ZOMBIE!

Some mortgage myths just won't stay buried! 💀

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from homebuyers is:
❌ “I need 20% down to buy a house.”

👻 THE REALITY?
You may have more options than you think!

3% Down: Certain conventional loan programs allow eligible buyers to purchase with as little as 3% down.

5% Down: Another common conventional financing option for qualified borrowers.

💰 LET'S LOOK AT A $700,000 HOME:

20% Down = $140,000
5% Down = $35,000
3% Down = $21,000

That's a potential $105,000–$119,000 difference in the upfront down payment! 😱

💡 MORTGAGE TIP: Putting less than 20% down may allow you to keep more savings available, but it generally means a larger loan, higher monthly payments, and private mortgage insurance (PMI).

📍 Buying in the San Gabriel Valley, Inland Empire, or surrounding Southern California communities?
Don't let an outdated mortgage myth scare you away from exploring your options!

📲 Message me “ZOMBIE” and let's talk about which down payment options may fit your situation.

Jose R. Salazar
Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS #2239012
📞 (626) 617-5134
📧 [email protected]

All figures are illustrative estimates based on a hypothetical $700,000 purchase price and exclude closing costs and prepaid expenses. Minimum down payments, loan limits, PMI, rates, and eligibility depend on the loan program, occupancy, credit, income, and underwriting. Not all borrowers qualify for 3% down financing.

10/26/2026

🎃DON'T LET CLOSING COSTS HAUNT YOU!👻

You saved for your down payment… but did you remember the OTHER expenses that come with buying a home? 😱

Let's look at a hypothetical $700,000 home purchase in the San Gabriel Valley, Inland Empire, or surrounding areas.

💰 ESTIMATED BREAKDOWN:

Down Payment (10%): $70,000
Lender Fees: $4,500
Title & Escrow Charges: $4,500
Prepaid Property Taxes: $4,375
Homeowners Insurance: $1,500

🎃 TOTAL ESTIMATED CASH TO CLOSE: $84,875
That's an estimated $14,875 beyond your down payment!

💡 MORTGAGE TIP: Your down payment is only part of the picture. Understanding your estimated closing costs and prepaid expenses BEFORE making an offer can help you avoid surprises. And here's a potential treat! Depending on your loan program and transaction, eligible seller credits may help cover certain closing costs.

Don't let unexpected expenses scare you away from homeownership. Get informed, get prepared, and buy with confidence!

👇 Were you aware of these additional expenses?

Jose R. Salazar
Prime Equity Mortgage | NMLS #2239012
📞 (626) 617-5134
📧 [email protected]

All figures are estimates for educational purposes only and may vary. Actual costs depend on the property, location, loan program, lender, taxes, insurance, and transaction details. Seller credits are subject to applicable limits and cannot be used toward the required down payment.

10/23/2026

🏡 WEST COVINA OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND!

Your dream home could be one visit away!
📍 1612 E. Rowland Ave., West Covina, CA 91791

📅 Saturday & Sunday | October 24–25
⏰ 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Come explore this beautifully updated home featuring a modern kitchen, inviting living spaces, and a spacious backyard perfect for entertaining!

💰 Have questions about financing? I've got you covered!

I'll be there both days to help you explore your mortgage options, understand your purchasing power, and take the next step toward homeownership.

✅ First-Time Homebuyer Programs
✅ Down Payment Options
✅ Mortgage Pre-Approvals
✅ Personalized Financing Solutions

🏡 Fall in love with the home. I'll help you find the financing to make it yours!

Jose Salazar | Mortgage Loan Officer
NMLS #2239012
📞 (626) 617-5134
📧 [email protected]



Listing courtesy of Venny Saucedo - eXp Realty of Greater LA

10/21/2026

🏡 CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU'RE PRE-APPROVED! BUT ARE YOU CLEARED TO CLOSE?

Getting pre-approved is exciting, especially when you're ready to buy a home in the San Gabriel Valley, Inland Empire, or surrounding areas!

But here's something many buyers don't realize: Pre-approval doesn't mean your mortgage is finalized.

🚨 3 things that could delay your closing:

1️⃣ Taking on NEW DEBT
Financing a car, opening a new credit card, or increasing your monthly payments could affect your debt-to-income ratio and mortgage qualification.
2️⃣ CHANGING JOBS
Switching employers, becoming self-employed, or changing how you're paid may require additional income verification and could delay underwriting.
3️⃣ LARGE, UNEXPLAINED BANK DEPOSITS
Depositing large amounts of cash or receiving funds without proper documentation could raise questions during underwriting. Your lender may need to verify where the money came from.

MORTGAGE TIP: Once you're pre-approved, avoid major financial changes without speaking to your loan officer first!

🏠 The goal isn't just getting pre-approved. It's getting the keys! 🔑

👇 Did you know these three things could affect your closing?

Jose R. Salazar | NMLS 2239012
📞 (626) 617-5134
📧 [email protected]

Pre-approval does not guarantee final loan approval. Loan approval is subject to underwriting, verification of income, assets, credit, and applicable program requirements.

10/20/2026

🏡 $10,000 OFF THE PRICE OR $10,000 TOWARD CLOSING COSTS?
Which would YOU choose? 👀

Let's compare a $700,000 home with 5% down on a 30-year conventional loan at 7.25%.

🏠 OPTION 1: $10K PRICE REDUCTION
PRO: Lower purchase price and loan amount
PRO: Save approximately $64/month in principal & interest
CON: Less help with upfront closing costs

💵 OPTION 2: $10K SELLER CREDIT
PRO: Helps cover eligible closing costs
PRO: May reduce the cash needed at closing
CON: Does not lower your loan balance

🔥 BONUS: PERMANENT RATE BUYDOWN
What if you used the seller credit toward discount points?
An illustrative rate reduction from 7.25% to 6.75% could save approximately $223/month in principal & interest!

The best option depends on your goals, available cash, and actual loan pricing.

Which would you choose: PRICE CUT or SELLER CREDIT?

📲 Jose R. Salazar | NMLS 2239012
📞 (626) 617-5134
📧 [email protected]

🏡 **Thinking About Buying or Selling a Home?**The right opportunity isn't always about waiting for lower rates or home p...
10/15/2026

🏡 **Thinking About Buying or Selling a Home?**

The right opportunity isn't always about waiting for lower rates or home prices. Sometimes, it's about finding the right strategy.

✅ Buyers: Explore seller credits, rate buydowns, and financing options.

✅ Homeowners: Discover ways to make your next move work financially.

Don't just watch the market. Understand your options.

📩 Message me: “BUY,” “SELL,” or “OPTIONS” and let's run the numbers!

Jose R. Salazar | NMLS #2239012
📞 (626) 617-5134
📧 [email protected]

*Example for educational purposes. Actual escrow payments, tax assessments, insurance premiums, and loan terms vary.*

10/15/2026

🏡 **Want to buy your next home BEFORE selling your current one?**

You might NOT have to sell first!

You can possibly consider the following:

Option 1 - Tap into existing home equity
Option 2 - Explore qualifying with both homes
Option 3 - Consider financing strategies that fit your timeline

The right move depends on your equity, income, and financial situation.

Let's explore your financial options before you list!

Jose R. Salazar | NMLS 2239012
(626) 617-5134

10/13/2026

🏡 **MORTGAGE TRANSLATOR!**

🚨 **YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENT WENT UP… BUT YOUR INTEREST RATE DIDN'T?!**

Yes, that can happen, even with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage!

If you own a home in Southern California, here's something you need to understand:

**Your interest rate can stay the same while your total monthly mortgage payment changes.**

Why? 👇

🏠 **1. PROPERTY TAXES**

In California, Proposition 13 generally limits annual increases in a property's assessed value to 2%, unless certain events trigger a reassessment.

But your tax bill can still change because of supplemental assessments after purchasing a home, voter-approved bonds, and special assessments.

And if your lender collects property taxes through escrow, changes to your tax bill can affect your monthly payment.

🔥 **2. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE**

This is especially important in Southern California.

Rising insurance premiums, wildfire exposure, and changes in insurance availability can increase what homeowners pay for coverage.

If your insurance premium increases, your mortgage servicer may need to collect more money each month through escrow.

💰 **3. ESCROW SHORTAGES**

Your lender or mortgage servicer periodically reviews your escrow account.

If the account doesn't have enough money to cover projected taxes and insurance, your monthly payment could increase to cover future expenses, and potentially repay a shortage from the previous year.

📊 **HERE'S AN EXAMPLE:**

Your original monthly payment:

• Principal & Interest: $2,800
• Property Taxes: $500
• Homeowners Insurance: $200

**Total: $3,500/month**

Now imagine your insurance increases by $100 per month and your escrow review identifies a shortage requiring another $50 per month for the next 12 months.

**Your new payment: $3,650/month.**

That's a $150 monthly increase, even though your fixed interest rate never changed!

💡 **THE TAKEAWAY:**

A fixed-rate mortgage generally means your principal and interest payment stays the same, not necessarily your entire monthly housing payment.

📲 **Buying a home in Southern California? Let's calculate your full payment and discuss what could change over time.**

Jose R. Salazar | NMLS #2239012
📞 (626) 617-5134
📧 [email protected]

*Example for educational purposes. Actual escrow payments, tax assessments, insurance premiums, and loan terms vary.*

10/08/2026

MORTGAGE TRANSLATOR:
What is DTI?

You could make $100K+ a year and still have trouble qualifying for the home you want. Why?

One reason could be your DTI (Debt-to-Income Ratio).

Simply put, lenders look at how much of your gross monthly income goes toward your monthly debts, including your future mortgage payment.

- Monthly income: $8,000
- Total monthly debts: $3,200
- Your DTI: 40%

Here's what many buyers don't realize: It's not just about how much you make. It's also about how much you owe each month.

And no, a 40% DTI doesn't automatically mean you're approved or denied. Different loan programs have different guidelines.

Want to know how your DTI affects your buying power? Let's run the numbers.

Jose R. Salazar | NMLS #2239012
📞 (626) 617-5134
📧 [email protected]

10/06/2026

So… would Mike get approved? 🏡
The answer: Potentially, YES — but it depends.

Mike has a strong overall profile: self-employed for 3 years, approximately $180K in annual income, a 700 FICO score, and $80K in assets.

But there’s a catch: his tax write-offs significantly reduce the income shown on his tax returns.

That can make traditional qualifying more challenging—but it doesn’t necessarily mean the conversation is over. Depending on the full scenario, there may be conventional, FHA, or alternative financing options such as a bank statement program.

Self-employed? Don’t count yourself out based on your tax returns alone. Let’s review the full picture and see what options may be available.

**En Español**
Entonces… ¿Mike podría calificar? 🏡
La respuesta: Posiblemente SÍ, pero depende de su situación completa.

Mike tiene un perfil sólido: lleva 3 años trabajando por cuenta propia, genera aproximadamente $180,000 al año, tiene un puntaje FICO de 700 y $80,000 en activos.

Pero hay un detalle importante: sus deducciones de negocio reducen considerablemente los ingresos que aparecen en sus declaraciones de impuestos.

Esto puede hacer más difícil calificar de manera tradicional, pero no significa que se hayan terminado las opciones. Dependiendo de su situación, podría haber alternativas convencionales, FHA o programas que utilizan estados de cuenta bancarios.

¿Trabajas por cuenta propia? No descartes la posibilidad de comprar una casa solamente por lo que muestran tus declaraciones de impuestos. Revisemos tu situación completa y las opciones disponibles.

📲 Jose R. Salazar | NMLS #2239012
(626) 617-5134
[email protected]

Scenario is for educational purposes only. Loan approval and program eligibility are subject to complete documentation, applicable guidelines, and underwriting.

Este ejemplo es únicamente para fines educativos. La aprobación y elegibilidad están sujetas a documentación completa, los requisitos del programa y la evaluación del préstamo.

Address

West Covina, CA
91790

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 6:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 6:30pm
Thursday 9am - 6:30pm
Friday 9am - 6:30pm
Saturday 10am - 3:30pm
Sunday 10am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+16266175134

Website

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