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A note from Michael

Let's make the mortgage part easier to understand.

I'm Michael Banan. Whether you're buying, refinancing, or thinking about your equity, I want you to see the numbers and the tradeoffs in plain English. Start with the question on your mind, then use these tools to get a clearer picture.

Start my review Talk with Michael

Start with your situation

Here's where I'd begin.

Pick the path that sounds like you. Each one gives you a useful first step before we talk about a specific loan.

I'm buying a home

Start with a comfortable monthly payment and the cash you'll want available for down payment and closing costs. Then we can talk through the loan options that fit your plans.

  • Set a payment range you can live with.
  • Estimate cash needed at closing.
  • Decide when you want to move.
Explore buying

I'm reviewing a refinance

Tell me what you want to change: payment, loan term, cash flow, or the total cost. We'll compare the new loan with the one you already have, including costs and break-even.

  • Know your current payment and balance.
  • Compare APR, points, and closing costs.
  • Check how long you may keep the loan.
Explore refinancing

I'm thinking about my equity

Let's start with how much you may need, what it's for, and the payment you can manage. A cash-out refinance, home equity loan, and HELOC work differently.

  • Write down the amount and purpose.
  • Consider your repayment timeline.
  • Compare the effect on your first mortgage.
Explore home equity

A practical checklist

Four numbers I always want you to see.

These tell a fuller story than an interest rate by itself. Your actual loan terms depend on your situation and lender pricing.

See current rate details
  1. Monthly paymentLook at principal and interest alongside taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, and any HOA dues.
  2. APR and upfront costsCompare the cost of borrowing, including points, lender credits, and other loan costs.
  3. Cash neededKnow what you'll bring to closing after your down payment, fees, prepaids, and any credits.
  4. Time horizonAsk how the loan fits the years you expect to keep it, especially when you're paying to lower a rate.

Working tools

Run the numbers at your own pace.

These calculators are for planning. Change the assumptions until the estimate reflects the scenario you want to discuss with me.

Monthly paymentEstimate payment with taxes and insurance.Open calculator Buying rangeExplore a purchase price around your budget.Open calculator Refinance break-evenCompare a new payment with its upfront cost.Open calculator California closing costsPlan for lender, title, escrow, and prepaid costs.Open calculator Cash-out & equityExplore cash proceeds and the resulting loan balance.Open calculator Loan payoff over timeSee how principal and interest change across the term.Open calculator

Want to see the assumptions behind today's displayed options? View rates, APR, points, and pricing details.

One-on-one guidance

Still have a question? Ask me.

Send me the goal you're working toward. I'll help you understand the useful next step, whether that's more planning or a formal application.

— Michael

Start my review Call (858) 531-2442