If you’ve heard that Fannie Mae “got rid of the minimum credit score,” you’re not alone — and you’re not crazy for being confused. While credit scores still matter, the rules around how they’re used have changed. This post breaks down what actually happened, what it means for first-time buyers, and why you may be closer to buying a home than you think.

Your bi-weekly guide to what’s happening in the Coachella Valley, featuring local events, entertainment, and community happenings you can plan for ahead of time.

We’ve been attending Info-A-Go-Go for the past couple of years, and it continues to be one of our favorite community events. From meaningful conversations to meeting organizations doing incredible work year-round, this year’s gathering at Hotel ZOSO reminded us how much good is happening right here in our desert.

IID customers can qualify for $1,500–$2,500 in FREE energy upgrades in 2026. From smart thermostats to AC improvements, this first-come, first-served program can help lower energy bills and boost comfort—at no cost.

The CalHFA Dream For All Down Payment Assistance program is reopening its lottery on February 24, 2026, giving first-time, first-generation buyers another chance at up to 20% in down payment help. For Coachella Valley residents, this program could be a powerful opportunity to overcome high home prices, buy sooner, and start building equity in communities like Palm Springs, Cathedral City, La Quinta, and Indio.

Creamy, coconut-forward, and made to be shared, this coquito recipe is a holiday favorite that comes together quickly. Delicious on its own or with a splash of rum, it’s perfect for gatherings, gifting, or keeping on hand for when friends stop by.

Wondering how a government shutdown could impact your home purchase or sale? Here is what you need to know and why most transactions continue with little disruption.

The Federal Reserve just cut rates by 0.25%, but that doesn’t mean mortgage rates automatically follow. In fact, after the announcement, mortgage rates actually ticked up slightly. Here’s what the Fed’s decision really means for buyers and sellers right now.

Joseph and I recently made a big shift — moving in with family while we prepare to buy our first home. Even as a realtor, the path to homeownership isn’t always straightforward, and through workshops with Lift to Rise we’ve learned just how important it is to make sacrifices for the long run. In this post, I’m sharing how our journey started, the advice that struck a chord with us, and why we’ll be documenting our process along the way.

Hawaiian Mac Salad is creamy, tangy, and the ultimate side dish. Learn what makes it unique, why it is so loved, and how you can make it at home with a simple recipe.

Inspired by Ono’s Hawaiian BBQ, I’m keeping it simple with a quick and tasty Spam Musubi Bowl.

Pre-qualification and pre-approval are two very different but crucial steps in the homebuying process. Pre-qualification gives you an estimate of your buying power, while pre-approval proves to sellers that you’re ready to purchase. Today, both can be done online, and with the right lender, you can even get pre-approved with a soft credit pull.