January 16, 2025 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Mortgage Strategies for Today’s Competitive Real Estate Market

Financial Advisors with The Desser Group at J.P. Morgan Securities share key insights. 

Buying a home can have a long-lasting financial impact. Just as you make investment decisions based on the benefits and long-term risks, it is important to treat mortgage decisions the same way.

“Making mortgage decisions without fully considering your financial and life goals may limit your options,” says Bill Desser, Managing Director and principal of The Desser Group. The group partners with J.P. Morgan’s Mortgage team, which is deeply familiar with the complex balance sheets and non-standard income flows of wealthy individuals.

Bill Desser, Managing Director and principal of The Desser Group.

“The mortgage landscape continues to evolve, and clients are looking for options beyond traditional mortgages,” says Dan Alter, Head of the J.P. Morgan Securities Mortgage Advisory team. “As one of the largest and most respected jumbo mortgage lenders, we look across a client’s entire balance sheet to optimize and structure debt to provide innovative financing strategies designed to fit each client’s personal circumstances. Additionally, our mortgage advisors have local market expertise in financing LA properties, particularly related to the nuances of condo and co-op lending requirements.”

 Staying competitive in LA’s housing market

“One of the first things I tell our clients is the importance of being market-ready when the right home comes along,” says George Epstein, Head of J.P. Morgan Securities Banking & Lending. J.P. Morgan provides buyers with a fully underwritten conditional approval that goes above industry standards.1 “Having a pre-approval in hand enables buyers to move fast when they find the property they desire.” He added, “We can expedite the closing process and execute quickly, providing all loan documentation is submitted timely.”

Making an all-cash offer can give homebuyers an edge in a competitive bid situation, but owning a home outright may not be the best use of financial resources. A technical refinance—arranging for a mortgage after purchasing a property for cash—may be an alternative. “Some of our clients have bought homes for cash using a securities-based line of credit, and then refinanced within 90 days of the purchase,” Mr. Epstein points out. “Working with J.P. Morgan, the homeowners were able to refinance the home, pay off the credit line and lock in competitive rates on long-term mortgage financing.”

Consider a Pledged Asset Mortgage

Ryan Stewart, Executive Director, The Desser Group.

“One option clients have taken advantage of is the J.P. Morgan Pledged Asset Mortgage” says Ryan Stewart, Executive Director and member of The Desser Group. This mortgage strategy allows clients to pledge assets in their J.P. Morgan portfolios in lieu of a cash down payment. With the securities and home as collateral, borrowers may qualify for up to 100% financing. Assets can also be pledged on behalf of a qualified family member (parent, spouse or child), without having to co-sign a loan. “We’re seeing a number of clients turn to the Pledged Asset Mortgage as part of their estate planning strategy,” adds Mr. Stewart.

Structure your ownership to your advantage

Your real estate investments and the way you finance and structure them are a significant part of your financial plan. There may be compelling reasons, beyond privacy and liability protection, to own a property in a revocable trust or limited liability company (LLC). Using an LLC, for example, may also simplify the administration of your estate.

“One of the advantages of working with our team is access to our Wealth Management partners,” says Bill Desser. “They’re former tax and estate attorneys, and they’re always ready to meet with our clients to discuss how best to structure assets in light of a client’s estate and financial objectives.”

To learn more about The Desser Group and mortgage financing, please contact: 310.201.7893 or visit www.jpmorgansecurities.com/desser


Dan Alter
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Head of J.P. Morgan Securities Mortgage Advisory
NMLS 529872

1 Financial information must be refreshed after 90 days.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
Not a commitment to lend. All extensions of credit are subject to credit approval.

“J.P. Morgan Securities” is a brand name for a wealth management business conducted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and certain subsidiaries. J.P. Morgan Securities offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. Bank products and services are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and its bank affiliates.

J.P. Morgan does not provide tax advice. Your lawyer or accountant can advise you on the appropriateness of a specific strategy in light of your own unique circumstances.

© 2018 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

Related Posts

Map Shows Where Palisades Homes Were Destroyed or Spared With Images

January 14, 2025

January 14, 2025

Over 5,300 structures have been destroyed with 12,000 threatened by the Palisades Fire, which has already charred 23,713 acres and...

Cost of New Mar Vista Complex Cut by $1.25M, Now Going for $10.75M

January 12, 2025

January 12, 2025

Completed in 2024, the four-story contemporary building features a rooftop deck with panoramic views of the city, including the skyline...

This 47-Unit Santa Monica Apartment Complex Is Going for $22M

January 5, 2025

January 5, 2025

The Half-Acre Lot Includes 33 On-Site Parking Spaces, Additional Driveway Parking and a Swimming Pool A midcentury multifamily property offering...

This 3-Bed Oceanfront Marina del Rey Condo is Going for $4.25M

January 5, 2025

January 5, 2025

Built in 1971 and Recently Remodeled, The Condo Combines Modern Design with Natural Materials A luxury oceanfront condominium offering panoramic...

OPINION: Los Angeles Is Decades Overdue to Switch Housing It Likes to Housing It Can Afford

January 2, 2025

January 2, 2025

Mark Ryavec Argues That Decades of Mismanagement and Costly Missteps Leave L.A. Ill-Equipped to Address Its Growing Homeless Crisis By...

$75M Malibu Estate Hits Market on Coveted “Billionaire’s Beach”

December 29, 2024

December 29, 2024

The Home Offers Sweeping Views of the Queen’s Necklace, Palos Verdes, and Catalina Island A sprawling estate on Malibu’s exclusive...

Vietnam War Veteran Killed in Santa Monica Hit-and-Run on Wilshire

December 25, 2024

December 25, 2024

Police Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Suspect After Fatal Collision The life of a Vietnam War veteran was extinguished in...

Ray Kappe-Designed Rustic Canyon Home Lists For Nearly $4M

December 24, 2024

December 24, 2024

The Property Includes Three Bedrooms, Four Bathrooms, and Numerous Balconies and Decks A striking home designed by acclaimed architect Ray...

$6M Spanish-Mediterranean Home in Pali Includes Canyon and Ocean Views

December 22, 2024

December 22, 2024

The 4,257-Square-Foot Residence Features Four Bedrooms and Five and a Half Bathrooms A Spanish-Mediterranean style home at 16647 Bienveneda Place...

Three-Bedroom Bungalow on N Beirut Ave. Lists for $2.8M

December 20, 2024

December 20, 2024

A Refinished Chimney Adds a Classic Touch, While Updated Interior Doors Bring a Fresh, Modern Look A stylishly updated family...

1940s Mar Vista Duplex to Become Six-Story Apartment Building: Report

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

The Project Is Being Designed by Mika Design Group, Which Has Envisioned a Contemporary Podium-Style Building A 1940s duplex on...

Six-Bed Estate on Sunset Boulevard Hits Market at $5.8M

December 16, 2024

December 16, 2024

Amenities Include a Home Theater, a Gym, and a Sauna on the Lower Level A contemporary estate boasting six bedrooms...

Mar Vista Apartment Building to Be Replaced by Affordable Housing Under Mayor Initiative: Report

December 4, 2024

December 4, 2024

Plans for the Five-Story Building Include 42 One- And Two-Bedroom Apartments A six-unit apartment building in Mar Vista is set...

33-Unit Santa Monica Apartment Complex Listed for $23M

November 28, 2024

November 28, 2024

The Property Offered at Approximately $576 per Square Foot A multifamily apartment complex located at 537 San Vicente Boulevard has...

Santa Monica Place’s Value Falls by Nearly 60%: Report

November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024

Retail Vacancies Have Compounded the Mall’s Struggles Santa Monica Place, a high-profile shopping destination in Santa Monica, continues to face...