Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Happy Holidays

    Happy Holidays

    The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them, and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight.Popular modern customs include gift-giving and the display of various holiday decorations.Here's wishing…

  • Orange County Housing Market: Trends and Forecast 2025-2026

    Orange County's housing market in 2025 shows strong activity with a 35%+ increase in home sales for both attached and detached homes. Detached home prices rose 9.1%, while attached homes saw stable prices. Inventory remains low, favoring sellers, but mortgage rates are higher, moderating price growth. Forecasts predict modest price appreciation, steady sales, and potential…

  • LA 2026 Housing Forecast Remains Moderate

    LA 2026 Housing Forecast Remains Moderate

    Home values rise 1.1% by October 2026, supported by strong demand and constrained inventory across the sprawling metro area. Affordability limits first-time buyers despite slow growth, keeping competition intense in popular neighborhoods. Transactions hold stable as buyers navigate high prices and mortgage rate considerations, creating measured market activity. Limited inventory maintains competition, keeping prices elevated…

  • Mga Lungsod na Pinakamabilis ang Pagtaas ng Presyo ng Bahay sa California

    Patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bahay sa California dahil sa kakulangan ng suplay at mas mataas na mortgage rates, lalo na sa ilang pangunahing metro area. Karaniwang halaga ng bahay ay mula $317K sa Chico hanggang higit $7.6M sa San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley. Ang pagtaas ng presyo sa loob ng isang taon ay mula 0.6%…

  • How To Choose A Mortgage Broker

    Choosing the right mortgage broker is crucial for securing the best deal when buying or refinancing a home. Key tips include asking for local recommendations, checking online reviews, verifying licensing through the SAFE Act and NMLS, and assessing communication and expertise. A good broker listens to your needs, offers personalized options, and has strong lender…

  • New CFPB Rule May Affect Credit Scores in California

    New CFPB Rule May Affect Credit Scores in California

    California is one of 15 states that ban medical debt from appearing on credit reports, protecting residents from credit score damage. A new interpretive rule from the CFPB claims that federal law should override protections like California’s. Because the rule isn’t legally binding, California’s ban remains in place for now but will likely face legal…

  • Single-Family Home Prices Had Positive Price Gains in 77% of 230 Metro Areas in 2025 Q3

    In Q3 2025, national median home prices rose 1.7% to $426,800, with monthly mortgage payments increasing 2.1% to $2,187. The effective 30-year fixed mortgage rate decreased slightly to 6.63%. Median family incomes rose to $106,029. Qualifying incomes for mortgages vary by down payment, with the West requiring the highest and the Midwest the lowest. Several…

  • How to Buy a New L.A. Home Without Overlapping Sales

    How to Buy a New L.A. Home Without Overlapping Sales

    Slide 1: Juggling two homes? Learn to sell and buy with almost zero overlap. Slide 2: Know your market: seller’s market favors buying first, buyer’s market favors selling first. Slide 3: Use contingencies smartly: link your sale or purchase, but beware competitive LA markets. Slide 4: Consult lenders about bridge loans or HELOCs to fund…

  • Bumangon ang California Housing Market: Pagtaas ng Benta sa Higit 40 County

    Muling lumakas ang housing market sa California nitong Setyembre, na may 5% pagtaas sa benta mula Agosto at 6.6% paglago kumpara noong nakaraang taon, pinangunahan ng 40 sa 53 county. Tumaas ng 1.8% ang median na presyo ng bahay taun-taon sa $883,640 kahit bahagyang bumaba buwan-buwan. Nanatiling abot-kaya ang mortgage rates kaya patuloy ang demand.…

  • Six Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

    First-time homebuyers should ensure readiness by assessing financial stability, credit score, and down payment ability while maintaining an emergency fund. Prioritize needs versus wants in a home, and work with a trusted, experienced real estate agent. Get pre-qualified for a loan to know your budget. Make a reasonable offer with your agent's help, and always…

Got any book recommendations?