HOW DO YOU SPELL THE WORD “LOVE”?

Eight years ago, on August 8, 2017, I gave my wife, Elfa a very special gift to celebrate our 50th anniversary labradoodle puppy.

The announcement of the gift came a little earlier, since we were planning a Celebrity Cruise to the Norwegian fjords. Elfa’s immediate reaction to my idea was rejection. Her argument made sense: our last dog, a Welsh Corgi, had passed away 15 years earlier. A new puppy, she said, would take too much of our time—we were still working, and we wanted to travel more.

As always, she was right. But sometimes, my crazy ideas work out.

The day after we returned from our trip, we drove to Monterey to visit a breeder. There we met Max, an Australian Labradoodle. He was an adorable brown puppy with big, questioning eyes. On the drive home, Max curled up in Elfa’s lap and slept peacefully. That was the beginning of something special.

I decided to start recording Max’s daily life and dove into every dog training book I could find. I wanted to learn how to help Max grow into a happy, obedient dog. Whether it was the training or simply his personality, Max turned out to be more than we could have imagined. From his very first day with us, he was a pure expression of love.

So, if someone asks me how to spell the word love, my answer is simple:
M-A-X.

Max inspired much more than joy—he became the heart of my creative work. His presence led to the writing of my second book, 42 Encounters with Dog Lovers, followed by 42 Encounters with Love. And now, my latest book, Reflections, is also available online.

The three images you can see inside this story are just a glimpse of the vast collection I’ve taken of Max over the years.

If you’d like to give a meaningful gift to yourself or someone special, feel free to call me at (415) 225-7920. And don’t forget to check out Reflections—a celebration of life and love.

Care and share.

Thank you.

HOW TO BUY A PROPERTY WITH LITTLE OR NO MONEY DOWN –
AND FINANCE REPAIRS

Many people dream of owning property, but the biggest question is:
How do you buy with minimal cash, and how do you finance the repairs?

Let me break it down:

There are several ways to buy a property with little or no money out of pocket:

• 100% Financing:Some lenders offer programs with zero down for qualified buyers.
• 1% Down Programs:These are rare today, but have existed.
• FHA Loans (3.5% Down):One of the most popular low down payment options.
• Conventional Loans (5% Down):Great if you have a stronger credit profile.
• Gift Funds:You can use 100% gift money from a family member or relative for your down payment.

So yes, you can absolutely buy a home even if you don’t have all the money saved up yourself.

Financing Property Repairs – The FHA 203(k) Loan

One of the most powerful tools if you’re buying a fixer-upper is the FHA 203(k) loan.

Here’s how it works:

• You can borrow money not just to buy the home, but also to repair or improve it.
• The repair funds can go up to $75,000or more (based on property value).
• All you need is a contractor’s bid, which the lender reviews and approves.
• The loan closes as one mortgage—purchase + repair costs included.

Yes, the monthly payments and interest rate will be slightly higher, often around 6.875%, depending on the lender and market conditions. But this lets you buy and renovate at the same time.

Refinancing Later

Once your renovations are complete and the property has appreciated in value (typically in 6+ months), you can consider refinancing to:

• Lower your interest rate
• Remove PMI (if applicable)
• Convert to a conventional loan

Making the Right Choice

This isn’t for everyone. Some buyers prefer to do light cosmetic updates using their own savings or credit cards. Others want the full renovation loan upfront to avoid the hassle.

It all comes down to:

• How much work the property needs
• Your comfort level with borrowing more
• Your ability to refinance in the future

If you’re unsure, I’m here to help walk you through your options and guide you to the best solution for your situation.

Let Me Know If You’re Ready

If you’re thinking about buying—or fixing—a home, send me a message. I’ll help you figure out the best financing strategy to make it happen.

Call Me — I’m Here to Help:  (415) 225-7920

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

NMLS #205637
BRE #00874630

 

 

CAN YOU MANAGE STRESS?

Stress is a feeling of emotional and physical tension. It can be triggered by a variety of factors—some we can control, and others we can’t. What’s clear is that stress affects our well-being and our health.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve made the decision to reduce stress by eliminating negative sources of information. That’s one of the reasons I stopped reading newspapers or checking my phone while eating. Instead, I use mealtime as an opportunity to focus on what really matters—nurturing my body.

Likewise, instead of listening to the news while driving, I now listen to educational podcasts. One of my favorites features recordings of Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker who passed away in 2009. In the early days of my career, I listened to his cassette tapes during my commute. Recently, I was reminded of his simple morning routine in the program “Three Morning Moves.” He started his day with 30 minutes for himself, including 10 minutes of just being quiet.

That simple idea inspired me. I now begin my mornings with meditation—and I end my day the same way, using my book “Reflections” as a guide.

Another helpful insight came from Dr. Shi Heng Yi who pointed out that if we eat dinner right after coming home from work, we’re not just eating food—we’re consuming our stress. That idea led me to add a short meditation before dinner to transition from a hectic day to a peaceful meal.

All of this became possible once I decided that I want to live a stress-free life. It takes discipline, consistency, and building habits—but for me, it’s worth it. I want to live a long, healthy, and productive life.

If you’d like to follow my example, start by learning how to meditate. You can order “Reflections” on Amazon just by typing my name and then please call me after you get it,  and I’ll personally teach you how to begin.

Three images you can see above are from the book.

Share and care. Thank you.

 

 

Manny Kagan
(415) 225-7920

One of the biggest concerns many homeowners face when upgrading to a new home is: “How can I buy a new property without selling my current one first?”

This is a common dilemma, but the good news is that there are several practical solutions available.

Bridge Loans

Here’s how it works:

• The lender considers the equity in your current home and uses it to help fund the down payment for the new purchase.
• You can get approved for the full purchase price of the new property.
• Once your old home is sold, you use the proceeds to pay down the bridge loan or refinance it into a traditional mortgage.

Note: Bridge loans usually come with higher interest rates, so they work best when you are confident your current home will sell soon.

Buy With Cash or Savings (If Available)

If you already have enough savings for a down payment, or access to other liquid assets, some lenders may approve your new loan as long as:

• Your current home is listed for sale, and
• You can qualify for the new mortgage based on your income and assets.

This way, you can move into your new home without being forced to rush the sale of your existing property.

Which Option Is Right for You?

Not every solution fits every situation. That’s why it’s important to discuss your options with a professional who understands the local market and loan products available.

Call Me — I’m Here to Help:  (415) 225-7920

If you’re in this situation and not sure where to begin, I’d love to help you explore your options and guide you through the process.

Let’s talk and see what’s possible for you.

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

NMLS #205637
BRE #00874630

HOW TO SEE THE BEAUTY

The idea of seeing beauty has been embedded in human nature since the beginning of creation. In the Bible, we read that the woman “saw that the tree was good for food and a delight to the eyes” (Genesis 3:6). This early moment reveals an innate human ability to recognize beauty.

Interestingly, while beauty is present throughout Scripture, its opposite—”ugly”—is never mentioned. The word “ugly” did not even exist in biblical times. It entered the English language in the 13th century, borrowed from Scandinavian roots, where it originally meant “fearful.” This historical shift suggests that the concept of ugliness was introduced later, shaped by fear rather than truth.

Just as we are born with the senses of smell and touch, we are all born with the capacity to perceive beauty. We use phrases like “beautiful music,” “beautiful nature,” or even “a beautiful act,” recognizing that beauty is not limited to appearance—it is an experience that touches the heart and soul.

So why do some people seem unable to perceive beauty, and instead focus on what is broken, unpleasant, or fearful? It is said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” But perhaps beauty also lives in the heart—and a fearful heart may block the view. When fear, pain, or disconnection take hold, it can become difficult to see the beauty that surrounds us.

The Bible contains at least 20 different Greek and Hebrew words that are translated into English as “beauty” or “beautiful.” This rich vocabulary shows how important and multifaceted the idea of beauty is in sacred texts.

Let us choose to focus on beauty and open our hearts to it. Even the fallen leaves on the ground—dried, crumpled, and seemingly discarded—can reveal extraordinary beauty to those willing to see. Nature reminds us that beauty is not perfection; it is presence, as you can see in three colorful images “woven” into the text flow of this story.

If you like have permanent presence of the beauty in your home, please go to Amazon, type Manny Kagan and order my beautiful book Reflections. Thank you in advance.

Care and share!

 

HOW TO BUY REAL ESTATE WITH LOW DOWN PAYMENT

Last week, I shared some insights on how to purchase a home with no down payment. While several programs are available to help make this possible, not everyone qualifies.

I’m currently working with clients who are purchasing a home they plan to live in. We explored a number of 100% financing options, but unfortunately, none of them worked in this case. Here’s why:

Credit Score Requirements: Most zero-down programs require a minimum credit score of 680. In this case, the clients had  score 679 —just below the threshold.

Income Limits: Some programs set a maximum income limit to qualify, which the clients exceeded.

Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratios: Other options were disqualified due to strict qualifying ratios.

Loan Limits: There are also maximum loan limits set by agencies like Fannie Mae and FHA. In the area where the property is located, the loan limit is $685,000, which further narrowed the options.

The Solution: An Old-Fashioned FHA Loan

In the end, the most practical and accessible solution was an FHA loan. FHA loans require only a 3.5% down payment, offer competitive interest rates (in this case around 6% to 6.25%), and can include lender credits or seller contributions to cover closing costs.

Now, they are just negotiating the final sales price with the seller.

If you’re considering buying a home and are unsure how much you need for a down payment—or if you qualify for any low or no-down-payment programs—let’s talk. Every situation is unique, and there may be more options than you think.

Have questions? Call me anytime: (415) 225-7920 Let’s find the right loan for you! I promise to help! Meanwhile, click on this link watch and listen to my brief remarks on the subject and beyond.

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

NMLS #205637
DRE #00874630

 

 

WANT A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP?

On Thursday at 6 PM, our labradoodle Max took us for a walk to Ocean Beach in San Francisco. It was windy, and the ocean looked wild and restless. Not many people were around—just a few dogs, some fishermen, a handful of kids and runners, and a few birds to keep us company. The sky and sea were both shades of gray, and strangely beautiful. I managed to snap a few nice photos with my iPhone; three of them are featured here.

We wrapped up our walk in about 40 minutes, but the fresh ocean air was enough to leave us feeling calm and ready for bed. Theoretically, we could do this every day—get outside, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy nature. But of course, life happens. Evening routines get busy, and our priorities shift.

Luckily, my wife and I have found a simple tool that helps us sleep well—even when we can’t get to the beach.

So, what’s this magic sleep aid?

It’s not a supplement or a gadget. It’s a book. Yes, a book. It’s called Reflections: The Healing Images, and it’s designed to help guide you into deep, restful sleep. It only costs $19.97 on Amazon and can take as little as five minutes to work—no matter how stressful your day has been.

You might be skeptical. That’s fine. Just search my name on Amazon click on “Reflections” and read the reviews. Many people have shared how it’s helped them to relax and feel more rested the next day. Once you get the book, take a few minutes to try the relaxation techniques—and then let me know what you think. I’d love to hear your feedback.

In the meantime, enjoy a few of the photos from our beach walk. And remember: sleep is not a luxury—it’s part of living well. So, share what works, and care for yourself and others!

 

Andrew Carnegie, the legendary steel baron, offered many lessons on success and efficiency. One of the most powerful came from his approach to focus. Carnegie believed in writing down a list of 20 tasks and then dedicating full energy to the single most important one—until it was done. That clarity of purpose was a key to his effectiveness.

As a photographer, I’ve learned that the cornerstone of a beautiful image is also focus—literally. A photographer must choose exactly what to focus on to create an impactful shot. That discipline of focus has extended into other areas of my life.

For example, when I eat, I no longer read the newspaper or scroll through my phone. I eat mindfully, fully engaged in the moment. The same goes for my work. On any given day, I may have 10 or more client files open. But I tackle them one at a time, focusing deeply until I have a complete picture of what needs to be done and how to get there.

If you have questions or would like to discuss focus in your life or business, feel free to call me directly: (415) 225-7920

Meanwhile, click here to watch my short video I’ve recorded to support this story.

Focus on one thing only – to succeed and begin living a better life!

CARE AND SHARE!

What Success Has in Common
with a Good Night’s Sleep

By now, many of you know about my new book, Reflections. The Healing Images™, and how it can help you achieve deep relaxation. If you missed last week’s post, I encourage you to check it out.

Since I started using Reflections as part of my nightly meditation, my sleep has improved dramatically. I usually wake up just once during the night, and I’m able to fall back asleep right away. Those consistent eight hours of rest help me function at my best the next day—focused, calm, and productive.

Here’s the simple routine I follow every evening:

My Steps for Relaxation and Success

1. After lying down in bed, I check the time and open Reflections to a new page.
2. I read the short text and take a good look at the image on the page.
3. Closing my eyes, I hold that image in my mind.
4. I begin my breathing exercise:
   • Inhale through the nose for a count of five.
   • Hold for three.
   • Exhale slowly through closed lips for a count of seven.
5. As I breathe, I repeat my personal mantra affirmations. I focus on positive intentions, such as:
   • “My intention now is to have excellent health. Thank you.”
   • “My intention now is to have a good night’s sleep. Thank you.”
   • And always—adding a small smile to my lips.
6. I continue by repeating: “I am success, I am wealth.”—six times. (Notice: I say success, not successful.)
7. While repeating this, I count silently from one to ten, using my fingers to keep track. By the time I reach ten, I find myself in a calm meditative state.
8. I stay in this peaceful space for a few moments, then count back from one to ten to gently return.

For me, this entire process takes just five to seven minutes. I do this while lying in bed, though you can certainly practice it while sitting in a chair. Almost every night, as soon as I close my eyes again, I drift off into restful sleep.

The Connection Between Sleep and Success

Success means different things to different people. But one thing is universal: success comes to those who develop habits that keep them focused on what truly matters. Prioritizing your health, relaxation, and mindset are powerful habits that lead to lasting results.

If you’re looking to improve your well-being, I invite you to try Reflections. The Healing Images™. Start your own nightly practice, experience the difference, and when you notice the results, please share your experience by leaving a review.

And as a little insight—before becoming The Healing Images™, the three images featured in this story were simply roses.

Because when we share, we care.

Heard of 100% Financing Loans?

Here’s a simple breakdown of how they work:

These programs often combine a first mortgage with a small second loan, and one great option is the FHA loan:

✅ First mortgage: 96.5% LTV

✅ Second loan: 3.5% to cover the down payment

✅ Easy to qualify

✅ No income restrictions

✅ No 1st-time homebuyer restrictions

✅ Credit (FICO) scores starting at 600

✅ One underwriting process for both loans

✅ No investor approval needed

✅ Debt-to-income ratio up to 50%

If you’ve got steady income, this could be your path to homeownership — with no down payment needed!

Click here to see my short video titled: “Talking Business with a Smile”

Call or email me if you want to learn if you qualify!

(415) 225-7920; mannykagan@comcast.net

Manny Kagan,
President,
Pacific Bay Financial Corporation
Your professional mortgage broker since 1983

NMLS #205637
DRE #00874630