Category: General

California Homeowners: State Farm Under Investigation

On June 12, 2025, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara announced a crucial investigation into State Farm’s handling of claims related to the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires. These devastating events have significantly impacted countless California homeowners and Southern California residents, highlighting the essential need for efficient and compassionate insurance practices. Detailed Allegations and Growing […]

Mortgage Mistakes: 5 Refinancing Traps to Avoid

For longtime homeowners, refinancing can be a powerful way to lower monthly payments, shorten a loan term, or unlock the equity built over years of diligent payments. However, even experienced borrowers often fall into common mortgage mistakes that can quietly erode their savings and compromise their long-term financial goals. At Scout Lending, we have helped […]

Loan Offers: Consumers Guide About Soft Credit Pulls

When applying for personal financing or checking loan offers, one of the most common concerns is whether the process will affect your credit score. Traditional lenders often perform hard credit pulls as part of the loan application, which can reduce your score and appear on your credit report for other lenders to see. But when […]

Wildfire Insurance Costs Are Rising in California

A recent bulletin from the California Department of Insurance reveals a critical update that affects homebuyers, property owners, and real estate investors alike. If California’s FAIR Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort for wildfire insurance, runs out of money following a catastrophic wildfire, it could charge a surcharge to all policyholders, even those whose […]

State Farm Premiums Up: Here’s What It Means

In a pivotal move that could reshape California’s already fragile insurance and real estate markets, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has approved State Farm’s emergency interim rate hike request, just months after initially rejecting it. The decision by State Farm, effective June 1, marks a first-of-its-kind approval under California’s regulatory framework. It is sending ripple effects […]

Housing Market Inventory: Key Insights for Homebuyers

As of April 2025, the U.S. housing market is shifting, with housing market inventory levels rising and noticeable changes happening across different regions. For buyers and borrowers, this changing landscape may present new opportunities if you know where to look and how to act. National Inventory Trends Housing inventory has increased by 30.9% year-over-year (as […]

Mortgage Rates: How the Bond Market Signals Lower Rates Ahead

If you’re a homebuyer, homeowner, or investor, you may have heard recent discussions about the Federal Reserve potentially cutting interest rates in 2025. But did you know that the bond market plays a major role in influencing those decisions—and ultimately, the mortgage rates that affect your home financing? Understanding this connection can help you anticipate […]

State Farm’s Rate Hike Rejected: Impact on the Real Estate Market

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has denied State Farm’s request for emergency rate hikes, setting the stage for a major showdown between the state’s largest home insurer and regulatory authorities. State Farm’s Rate Hike proposal has ignited debate among industry experts, consumer advocates, and homeowners, many of whom are already struggling with home insurance availability […]

State Farm’s Rate Hike: Impact on California’s Real Estate

In a significant development for California’s real estate market, State Farm’s rate increase has become a pressing concern. The state’s largest homeowner’s insurer has requested an emergency 22% rate hike following the recent Los Angeles-area wildfires. The insurer has already received at least 8,700 claims and paid more than $1 billion to affected customers. It […]

Times of Crisis: How Scout Lending Supports Business Owners

When unexpected disasters strike, business owners face significant challenges, from financial losses to operational disruptions. In times of crisis, taking immediate action and exploring financial solutions is crucial for recovery. At Scout Lending, we understand the urgency and are here to help businesses rebuild. Below, we outline essential steps business owners should take and how […]