Lending / Financial

Buying real estate is even more challenging for those of us whose eyes glaze over at the mere mention of decimals, percentages or anything else that even hints of mathematics.


The financial aspect of purchasing the largest investment of your lifetime, though, is the most important. Nobody wants to lose money. Nobody wants to leave money on the table.


If you're in the market for information on mortgages, credit scores and interest rates, you've come to the right place. The financial and mortgage pros here at ActiveRain even tell you how to shop for and compare lenders, how to raise your credit score, how to get a mortgage after a short sale or foreclosure and how to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. Even Mom and Dad can't give the great advice you'll find here at ActiveRain.


Plan to spend some time here because ActiveRain's content library is massive. Lucky for you we've arranged it so that it's über user-friendly. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to put your finger on just the information you're looking for without having to surf a million other pages.

Recent blogs on Lending / Financial
By Alberto Pacheco, Experience and Trust
(Home Smart Evergreen Realty)
Are you thinking about buying a home in the near future? If so, it’s time to get your finances in order. Here are the top questions to ask your mortgage lender.If you’re preparing to purchase but don’t have a mortgage broker or lender yet, don’t panic! Reach out for a referral to one of our trusted partners.📲 818 481 9211📧 albertopachecorealtor@gmail.com
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Money can be a difficult concept to understand. It’s not something we learn in school, but it has a massive impact on our lives. We need to understand how economics and personal finances intersect so that we can make better decisions when it comes to our money and our future.For financial stability and security, it's important to see how the economy affects your own finances. It allows us to plan for the future and make smart choices when it comes to budgeting and saving. Knowing how changes in the economy will affect our own finances helps us get ready for any problems that might come up."Connecting the Dots: Understanding the Intersection of Economic and Personal Finance" is a great book for people who want to learn more about their finances and make sure they are financially stable. ...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
FHA financing, all the information you need to know and then some.Being in this industry for over 20 years, 24 actually as I type this blog, I have used FHA Financing for probably 65-70% of all the home buyers I have worked with. On average, I close 40 plus transactions a year, and the bulk of those have been with first time home buyers. The FHA loan is the most popular government-backed home loan in the country. These low down payment loans are made by qualified lenders and guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).FHA loans require just a 3.5% down payment for borrowers with a 580 credit score or higher. For homebuyers with less-than-perfect credit, FHA loans offer additional significant benefits. The government backing means average FHA interest rates are typically lowe...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
Spring is the time for a fresh start. If that means buying a new home, your credit score is one of the most important numbers to watch. A good credit score only gives you a better chance of getting approved for the home you want. So before you start your home search, here are a few reminders you can do to give your credit score a boost. Repair Any Credit Bumps Before buying a home, you must know your credit score and fix any credit issues. Don't Be Late This is one of the easiest things you can do to help your credit boost. Make all of your payments on time. Avoid any late payments on your bills. Don't Add To Your Credit You shouldn't take out new credit if you're getting ready to buy a home. Instead, hold off on big purchases until after you close on your new home. Use Credit Tools Th...
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By Joseph Lorenzo, Your Law And Order Realtor
(Frank Rubi Real Estate LLC)
I am not a loan officer, nor do I play one on TV, lol.  But as a realtor, I am often asked about the differing types of loans available to borrowers.    I work with several great lenders and when asked about loans by a client or potential client, I obtain some basic information and then refer them to the lenders I know and work with. (the stay in you lane rule).  However, as a professional realtor, I believe I should have a basic knowledge of the types of loans available.   Hence, this post.  Many of you know this information already.  If you don’t, here is some information that will be helpful  Hopefully, this post will increase your knowledge and help you to better serve your clients.     As we know, navigating the world of real estate loans can be a daunting task, especially for firs...
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By Chris Goulart, California Hard Money Loans & Solutions
(All California Lending)
30 year fixed hard money loans for commercial properties can provide a number of benefits for investors and business owners. These loans, which are typically provided by private lenders and secured by real estate, can offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional bank loans.One of the biggest benefits of the 30 year fixed hard money loans for commercial properties that we can assist with is that they do not require minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) numbers at lower loan to value ratios. DSCR is a ratio used by banks and other financial institutions to assess a borrower's ability to repay a loan. A high DSCR is generally required for traditional bank loans, which can make it difficult for some borrowers to qualify. With our 30 year fixed hard money loan, th...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
One of the challenges you will face when deciding how much money to put down on your new home is whether to put down a larger down payment or to take a bit of money from your down payment and use it to buy "discount points" to lower your interest rate.There are pros and cons to doing both and each borrowers situation will be different so it's important to understand which option is best for your individual situation. Some factors you should consider include: Cost of borrowing - generally speaking, to lower your interest rate will mean you pay a premium. Most lenders will charge as much as one percent (one point) on the face amount of your loan to decrease your rate. Before you agree to pay points, you need to calculate the amount of money you are going to save monthly and then determine...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
If you plan on buying a house in the near future, there are a few mortgage options available. One potential option is called a VA loan. This is a loan that has been backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it could provide you with some added flexibility that you can use to purchase a house. Is a VA loan right for you? There are a few points to keep in mind.  Who Qualifies For a VA Loan?First, not everyone is able to access a VA loan. This is a loan that is generally only available to active members of the US military, veterans of the US military, and surviving spouses of service members. There are different service requirements that you need to meet before you can qualify for a VA loan, so if you have questions about your service record, consider reaching out to an expert who ...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
Last week’s economic reporting included readings on housing starts and building permits issued, the National Association of Home Builders Housing Market Index, and Fed Chair Janet Yellen’s Senate testimony. The Commerce Department reported on housing starts and building permits issued published, and a monthly reading on consumer sentiment was published. Weekly reports on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released. Two bank failures instill fear in depositorsIn the aftermath of two bank failures last week, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that “the banking system is sound” during testimony to the US Senate last Thursday. When asked if federal protection could be extended to deposit accounts exceeding $250,000, Secretary Yellen replied that such action would “require appr...
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By Jim Lee, REALTOR Emeritus, Buying or Selling? Ann & Jim are the local experts
(RE/MAX Shoreline)
How recent financial events could lead to significant savings on your dream home?In the ever-changing world of finance and real estate, sometimes the unexpected can lead to new opportunities. The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and a few other regional banks might seem awful, but it could present a golden opportunity for potential NH Seacoast homebuyers. Let’s delve into the backstory and explore how these events can benefit you.A Brief BackstoryA few years ago, in 2020 and 2021, banks saw a flood of new deposits due to stimulus money and increased savings during the pandemic. Banks invested in low-interest treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities to make the most of this influx, locking in 1-2% returns for years. Fast forward to today, and the Federal Reserve has significan...
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By Mike & Cindy Jones, Real Estate - (904) 874-0422 - Jacksonville, Fl
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty)
If you're in the market for a new home and looking to save some money, then you need to hear about the White House's recent announcement of reduced mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) for FHA loans. Starting March 20, the MIP payments will be cheaper, with the premium reduced from 0.85% to 0.55% of the loan amount. This is great news for up to 850,000 potential and current FHA borrowers.But that's not all - you can save up to $1,500 per year depending on your location and loan amount. This means that if you have a $300,000 mortgage, you can save $900 per year, $1,200 per year for a $400,000 mortgage, and $1,500 per year for a $500,000 mortgage.With other buyer-friendly features like gift funds and lower down payments, an FHA mortgage might just be the key to home ownership in 2023. Don't ...
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By Randy Abbe
(The Lending Times)
This article actually came from our blog, but I thought it was good to post it here. Depending on where your rate is, an FHA streamline refinance may be beneficial to you. An FHA streamline refinance is a type of mortgage refinancing program offered by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) to homeowners with an FHA-insured mortgage. The streamline refinance process simplifies the refinancing process and makes it easier and faster for borrowers to obtain a lower interest rate and monthly mortgage payment.FHA Streamline EligibilityTo be eligible for an FHA streamline refinance, borrowers must meet the following criteria: Must have an existing FHA-insured mortgage that is current and in good standing. Must have made at least six payments on their FHA home loan. Must demonstrate a “net tangib...
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By Nigel Griffiths, Motivated Seller Leads - Lead Generation - USA
(Oyoy Inc.)
Can Private Loans Be Used ForCompleting Real Estate Projects? Yes, private loans can be used for completing real estate projects. Private lenders may offer loans to developers and homeowners looking to finance a property's purchase, renovation, or construction. Private lenders typically offer more flexible terms and lower interest rates than traditional lenders, allowing borrowers to access financing more quickly and affordably.What type of companies provide private loans?The usual rates for a hard money loan can vary depending on the lender, the property being financed, and the overall terms of the loan. Generally, hard money loans will have higher interest rates than traditional bank loans, ranging from 8-18%. Some lenders may also charge additional points or fees, increasing the loan...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
Last week’s economic reporting included Fed chair Jerome Powell’s testimony to the House of Representatives, data on job growth, and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims. Fed: Chairman Powell says no decision on March rate hikeFederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said that no decision has been made about raising the Fed’s target interest rate range in March. Mr. Powell said, “We have not made any decision about the March meeting. We’re not going to do that until we see the additional data.” Mr. Powell said that the Fed is not on a “pre-set path. We will be guided by the incoming data and the evolving outlook.” Mr. Powell cited the upcoming jobs report and inflation data as examples of information used in decisions to raise or lower the Fed’s interest rate range. The Fed w...
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By Randy Abbe
(The Lending Times)
This article comes from my website, but I feel it's important to spread the word. Especially for the younger generations. I wish they would've taught us stuff like this in school. Some "real world" learning. A credit card is like special money you can use to buy things. Instead of using real money, you can use a credit card to pay for something you want to buy. When you use a credit card, you’re borrowing money from a company and have to pay it back later. Therefore, knowing how credit cards work is vital to financial success.In short, this article will go over these steps: You get a credit card from a company: To get a credit card, you must apply with a company, like a bank or a credit card company. They will ask you questions to ensure you can repay the money. You can use a credit car...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
          A Look Into the Markets   This past week, Fed Chair Powell testified on Capitol Hill and his words sent rates higher. Let's walk through what happened and take a peek at what to watch next week. "No more words and no more promises." No More Words by Berlin. "Rates Need to Go Higher, Faster" On Tuesday and Wednesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell testified before both the House and Senate on the state regarding the economy and monetary policy. His prepared speech set off fireworks in the financial markets on Tuesday as stocks moved sharply lower, and rates spiked once again. He started by suggesting that rates need to go higher and faster. This was a surprise as the Fed Chair recently said, "The disinflation process had begun." He had the markets sensing there would be possibly thre...
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By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
Anna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.comSelling Real Estate On Treasure Coast Since 2000.
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By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor"
(HomeSmart)
What You Should Know About Rising Mortgage Rates After steadily falling over the winter, mortgage rates have started to rise in recent weeks. This is concerning to some potential homebuyers as the combination of higher mortgage rates and higher prices have made homes less affordable. So, if you're planning to purchase a home this year, you too may be wondering if now's the right time to buy or if you should hold off on your search until rates come back down. The recent uptick in rates has been driven by what's happening with inflation. Joel Kan, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains: Mortgage rates increased across the board last week, pushed higher by market expectations that inflation will persist, thus requiring the Federal Rese...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
    After steadily falling over the winter, mortgage rates in Pensacola have started to rise in recent weeks. This is concerning to some potential homebuyers as the combination of higher mortgage rates and higher prices have made homes less affordable. So, if you’re planning to purchase a home this year, you too may be wondering if now’s the right time to buy or if you should hold off on your search until rates come back down. The recent uptick in rates has been driven by what’s happening with inflation. Joel Kan, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains: “Mortgage rates increased across the board last week, pushed higher by market expectations that inflation will persist, thus requiring the Federal Reserve to keep monetary policy re...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
    As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling. Click Here to Continue Reading What Is My Homes Value Thinking of SELLING, YOU PAY US $2995. Flat Fee and 2.5% for the agent or agents selling your home, not the average 6 or 7% charged by others, saving the average homeowner $12077.00. We use a 106 Step Selling System with 28 that are specific to the marketing of your home. If you’re ready to sell your home, you need a marketing expert you need Charles Stallions with over 28 years of experience who will advise you and guide you through the hundreds of things that come up after you go under contract for a smooth...
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