Every Tuesday in San Francisco, real estate agents tour new listings together. It’s called the Tuesday Tour. Most people pop in, grab a flyer, and move on. I stop and ask one question: “Can this actually be financed?” One Tuesday, I walked into a building almost no lender wants: Upstairs: SRO housing (shared kitchens, shared…

Since 1992, I’ve been attending weekday broker tours—what San Francisco agents call the Tuesday Tour. In other markets it’s known as a realtor caravan or an internal office tour. Regardless of the name, the purpose is the same: agents learn the inventory, investors spot opportunity, and seasoned professionals quietly assess what others miss. As a…

If you’ve successfully invested in 2–4 unit buildings, moving into 5+ unit or mixed-use properties feels like the logical next step.But here’s the reality: the financing rules change fast — and many experienced investors get tripped up. Over the years, I’ve helped Bay Area investors close deals that didn’t fit traditional lending boxes. Some were…

Many seasoned Bay Area investors cut their teeth on 2–4 unit properties. The move into 5+ unit or mixed-use buildings seems natural — until the financing conversation changes. I’ve worked with investors for decades who were surprised to learn that commercial rules are not residential rules, even if the property still “feels” similar. The Investor…

The Story Behind My Passion for Unique San Francisco Loan Options. Discover why Steven Hook, a San Francisco mortgage broker with 35+ years of experience, goes beyond cookie-cutter loans to deliver unique financing solutions for homeowners, investors, and small business owners. By Steven M. Hook, MBA, CMPS, CMAResidential & Commercial Mortgage Broker | San Francisco…

Learn what to expect from a smart pre-application discovery interview. BROKER’S EDGE – Smarter Real Estate Lending Shopping for a mortgage shouldn’t feel overwhelming — yet for many borrowers, it does. Between online rate ads, conflicting advice, and rushed pre-approval letters, it’s easy to move forward without fully understanding what’s realistic, what’s risky, and what’s…