Peter has been writing the real estate column “Lending a Hand” in the Santa Cruz Sentinel every week since 1995. If there is a topic you would like to see written about, call him or email him. He is always looking for new topics.

Check out some of the past columns in the archives of the Santa Cruz Sentinel by double clicking on your selected column below.

Recent columns

 Changes in store for FHA
 Lower price may not be best option
 Homebuyer program cuts payments
 A critical measure in lending
 Hazard insurance is required by lenders
 Loan options to combat rising rates
 Mortgage insurance makes a comeback
 Lenders signal a change in policy
 Loan program revolutionizes how mortgages are paid
 Good news on ARMs
 FHA offers refreshing mortgage options
 Property tax relief for downsizing homebuyers
 Mortgage business can be tough to read
 Uncertainty is keeping homebuyers on the fence
 Income proof not needed with some mortgages
 Loan limit hike not much of a stimulus
 Now, more than ever, cash is king
 Loan Limit brings FHA back to S.C.
 Stop the sale of personal data
 Loan approval depends on debt-to-income ratio
 Decision 2008: Fixed rate or adjustable rate?
 What would an increase in loan limits mean?
 Fed rate cut creates brief refinance opportunity
 The no point option may cost more
 Homebuyers can increase their chance of success
 Mortgage insurance tax break extended
 Lenders tighten guidelines
 Back to the mortgage basics
 When does it make sense to refinance?
 Conforming loan combination may be best choice
 Shopping for a mortgage is not easy
 Loan pays off sooner without increasing payments