Home and Finance Insights

Reverse mortgages are often misunderstood — but they can be a powerful tool for homeowners 62 and older who want to secure financial stability in retirement. In this episode, Kevin Mathews and guest expert Brad B. Byrnes unpack how reverse mortgages really work, what protections are in place for borrowers, and how this strategy can help seniors maintain independence, fund long-term care, or “right size” into a more suitable home. You’ll learn: How the reverse mortgage line of credit grows ove...

Want to learn how real estate investors legally avoid capital gains taxes and maximize tax savings? In this episode, Kevin Mathews sits down with CPA and tax expert George Graziano to break down powerful real estate tax strategies every investor should know. We cover: ✅ What a 1031 Exchange is and how it lets you defer capital gains taxes ✅ Rules for 45-day identification & 180-day closing deadlines ✅ Passive vs. active losses — and how to write them off ✅ Real Estate Professiona...

In this episode of Home and Finance Insights, host Kevin Mathews sits down with CPA George Graziano of Tax Plan Pros (Auburn, CA) to explore how homeownership impacts your income taxes. With decades of experience in tax planning and preparation, George shares valuable insights into the tax benefits of owning a home, including mortgage interest deductions, general federal rules, and how California tax laws differ from federal regulations. Whether you're a new homeowner or planning your financi...

In this episode of Home and Finance Insights, host Kevin Mathews sits down with seasoned title expert Tim Mikulin to break down the often-overlooked—but crucial—world of title and escrow. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, homeowner, or a real estate professional, this conversation sheds light on the importance of title insurance and escrow, how the escrow process works, and the common title issues that can derail a transaction. Kevin and Tim also tackle the risks and potential fraud inv...

Do you own a home? Then you need an estate plan—here’s why. In this episode of Home & Finance Insights, mortgage and real estate pro Kevin Mathews sits down with estate planning attorney Mauriah Conway (of Meisner, Ruggles & Thompson, Inc.) to explore the most important legal and financial strategies homeowners need to protect their home, family, and legacy. They cover: ✔️ The difference between a will and a trust ✔️ How to avoid probate (and why you definitely want to) ✔️ What happ...

In this conversation, Kevin Mathews and Ryan Nuttall delve into the intricacies of home insurance, discussing its importance, common misconceptions, and the various factors that influence premiums. They explore the role of claims history, the impact of home improvements on policies, and the significance of proper documentation for personal property. The discussion also highlights the California Fair Plan, reinsurance, and recent regulatory changes affecting the insurance landscape. Addi...