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 Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Navigating the Challenges of DSCR in Commercial Real Estate Refinancing The Rising Issue of DSCR in Commercial Real Estate In recent years, the commercial real estate sector has faced significant challenges, particularly concerning the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR). DSCR is a crucial financial metric used by lenders to assess the ability of a property to generate enough income to cover its debt obligations. A DSCR of less than 1.2 is often considered a warning sign, indicating that a property might not generate sufficient income to service its debt. The National Picture: A Cause for Concern The national landscape presents a concerning picture. Currently, there are 33,495 properties across the country, totaling 1.5 billion square feet of space, struggling with DSCRs below 1.2. This...
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By Tim Bray, B.S. Real Estate (UConn)
(Seaport Real Estate Services)
Navigating the Challenges of DSCR in Commercial Real Estate RefinancingThe Rising Issue of DSCR in Commercial Real EstateIn recent years, the commercial real estate sector has faced significant challenges, particularly concerning the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR). DSCR is a crucial financial metric used by lenders to assess the ability of a property to generate enough income to cover its debt obligations. A DSCR of less than 1.2 is often considered a warning sign, indicating that a property might not generate sufficient income to service its debt.The National Picture: A Cause for ConcernThe national landscape presents a concerning picture. Currently, there are 33,495 properties across the country, totaling 1.5 billion square feet of space, struggling with DSCRs below 1.2. This situ...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
There will be a very light week with the Holiday season approaching. The only notable reports to have come out for the week are the U.S. economic leading indicators, with nothing scheduled around Thanksgiving weekend. The median forecast for the leading indicators has shown that with the rest of the CPI and PPI data among other economic statistics, the economy does seem to be heading towards a soft landing as the Federal Reserve had initially targeted. The most notable changes are lending partners cutting rates with the potential for shifting economic policies and rate cuts in the future. U.S. Leading Economic IndicatorsThe numbers: The leading economic index declined 0.8% in October and fell for the 19th month in a row, but the U.S. economy doesn’t appear any closer to a recession than...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
With fixed-rate mortgages reaching 20-year highs, Pensacola Area lenders are seeing an emergence in new financing techniques such as 3/2/1 buydowns.The new approach allows buyers to reduce their interest rate payments by 3% during the first year, 2% in the second year, and 1% in the third year, with regular interest payments resuming after that.  “That’s an exciting strategy that is pretty popular right now,” said Charles Stallions. “We anticipate that rates will come down over the next couple of years. Obviously, there’s not a guarantee … but if [buyers] can kind of make it through those first couple of years, then the seller doesn’t have to reduce the value of their house, and they give it in the form of a credit to the buyer.” They can refinance when interest rates come down. The nat...
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Continued Loose Leaf Collection in Gaithersburg Fall loose leaf collection for single family and townhouse owners continues through Friday, December 29, weather permitting. Collection is made weekly, however there may be a one to two-day delay during busy periods. Rake your leaves to the street curb by 7 a.m. on your regular recycling day. Note that leaves placed in alleys or mews will not be collected. Learn more here.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement.The trees lining the streets in our community create a lot of fallen leaves in the fall. We are thankful fot the city removal services. Autumn Display, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 6890Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Getting a mortgage in Pensacola, like elsewhere, involves several key steps. Here's a breakdown of the process: 1. Financial Assessment: Credit Check: Lenders review your credit score to evaluate your creditworthiness. Income Verification: Provide proof of income and employment stability. 2. Preparation: Research Lenders: Explore different lenders or mortgage brokers in Pensacola. Determine Budget: Calculate how much you can afford as a down payment and monthly payments. 3. Mortgage Pre-Approval: Application: Fill out a mortgage application with your chosen lender. Documentation: Submit financial documents (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, etc.). Pre-Approval: Once approved, you'll receive a conditional commitment in writing for a specific loan amount. 4. House Hunting: Find a ...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
With the release of the CPI and PPI data, much of the broader market has been anticipating the potential cooling of inflation numbers month-to-month and those expectations have been met. There’s a consistent trend of inflation slowing down which brings a greater potential for the end of any rate hikes from the Federal Reserve, signaling a soft-landing for the economy which has been touted by Jerome Powell. With a soft landing, it does also signal a strong potential for the Federal Reserve to begin lowering rates in the coming future. Consumer Price Index Despite the report beating inflation expectations and leading to optimistic outcomes for a future soft-landing for the economy, there is still plenty to be cautious about with the reports also signaling the largest reduction was due to ...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Pre-approval streamlines the house-hunting journey, because it means you can confidently make offers when you find the perfect home. It also gives you a competitive edge in a hot market, and the peace of mind knowing you're financially ready for your next chapter. So, don't house hunt without pre-approval; it's your key to a successful homebuying experience!#realestate #realestateagent #listreports #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #dreamhome #homeownership #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome #financehub
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
It may be wise to Buy (Marry) the HOME and Date the RATE (Mortgage Rate). Then you will OWN your HOME when you RETIRE. You may have heard this term before, but it is valid. Are you waiting to "time the market" until mortgage rates drop significantly before buying a home?  (Photo: Claudia Peters, Pixabay)Timing the mortgage rate market is daunting as the FED raises the FED RATE in an attempt to slow down inflation. Mortgage rates are near a 20+ year high in he 8 range (pct). Meanwhile, home prices continue their longer term upward trend (with short term ups and downs on the way) as well as rents continue to rise in many markets with the limited supply of homes available. In the Phoenix metro for example the median home price is in the $430s. Yes, taking that FIRST STEP can be intimidatin...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Snow Canyon State Park - World's Largest Free-Flying U.S.A. Flag 🇺🇸 Traveling up Highway 18 from St. George, Utah toward Snow Canyon State Park, you can see the largest, free-flying flag in America, measuring 150 x 78 feet, totaling 11,700 square feet! Each star is 6 foot tall!  On Veteran's Day,  November 11th, a special ceremony honored all military people. Due to the popularity of the suspended display, it will remain thru the Snow Canyon Half 10K| 5K| Fun Walk n Roll until Sunday, the 19th. This magical, floating flag is mesmerizing as it slowing furls, unfurls, swaying gently in the slight breeze. The photos fail to capture the sheer beauty of Old Glory, our iconic, patriotic-driven American symbol. Brought to the public by United We Pledge. $10 admission or $5 for seniors.  For mo...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
While buying a home has always been a challenging milestone, today’s high interest rates have made this dream even harder to achieve. By Kimberly Dawn Neumann Over the past two years, interest rates on home loans have nearly doubled from the 3% range to around 7% today. This tacks many hundreds extra onto the monthly expense of housing, stretching some homebuyers’ budgets to the breaking point. And while there are ways to lower those costs, navigating the home loan process is extremely complicated—particularly for first-time homebuyers. “It’s very important for first-timers to do research and understand all their options before they start looking for a home,” says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker who is licensed in California and Florida. “Doing your due diligence c...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
The week following the FOMC rate decision meetings are typically very light, with the two most influential releases being the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment and the weekly Job Claims reports. The more positive news is mortgage lending rates have been on the decline in the last two weeks.Consumer Credit ReportsConsumer sentiment fell in November for the fourth month in a row due to tensions with the Middle East and there is lingering hawkishness from the Federal Reserve, which could spell continued rate hikes in the future.The preliminary reading of the sentiment survey declined to 60.4 from 63.8 in October, the University of Michigan said Friday, making it the weakest reading since May.Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index 15-Yr FRM rates seeing a week-to-week decrease by -0.2...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
While buying a home has always been a challenging milestone, today’s high interest rates have made this dream even harder to achieve. Over the past two years, interest rates on home loans have nearly doubled from the 3% range to around 7% today. This tacks many hundreds extra onto the monthly expense of housing, stretching some homebuyers’ budgets to the breaking point. And while there are ways to lower those costs, navigating the home loan process is extremely complicated—particularly for first-time homebuyers. “It’s very important for first-timers to do research and understand all their options before they start looking for a home,” says Cara Ameer, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker who is licensed in California and Florida. “Doing your due diligence can help you avoid some of...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Finding affordable mortgages is a key step in the home-buying process, and this blog provides valuable tips for prospective buyers.  This blog offers essential insights to help buyers navigate the mortgage market, making their dream of owning a new home more attainable. A must-read for anyone looking to find the right financing option.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP    If you've been deterred by the soaring mortgage rates, don't lose hope just yet. There's a way for aspiring homeowners to secure a mortgage with rates as low as 4%, making it more affordable to buy a newly built home. This article explains how to locate these opportunities and explores the factors behind the current real estate market. High Mortgage Rates vs. Affordable Homes As of November 2, 2023, ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers valuable insights for prospective buyers, helping them set a clear budget and stand out in a competitive market. A must-read for anyone looking to make their home-buying journey more efficient and successful!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP If you're thinking about becoming a homeowner, whether it's a regular real estate sale or a bank-owned property, there's one crucial step you should never overlook: getting pre-approved. It's a topic I've discussed repeatedly, and for good reason. Failing to complete this essential task can set you up for disappointment down the road. Let's take a moment to emphasize its importance. Pre-approval provides you with instant credibility in the eyes of the seller. When you submit your offer, backed by a pre-approval l...
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By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
The most important data of the quarter was released, signaling the direction for many markets and where economic policy may be headed. Jerome Powell as well as other members of the Federal Reserve spoke about the state of economic policy, informing many parties about their decisions to remain hawkish or dovish in their approach. Further rate hikes could tell a story that inflation is not yet under control and the Federal Reserve feels the need to continue these rate hikes, which will have a significant impact on the lending markets as a whole.FOMC Rate DecisionWhile Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized uncertainty over whether the Fed has tightened enough to bring down inflation, skeptics still believe policymakers have finished hiking rates. Jerome Powell had several opportunities to mak...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
  The VA mortgage process is a unique and beneficial home loan option for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain members of the National Guard and Reserves. Administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this program is designed to make homeownership more accessible to those who have served our country. One of the primary advantages of a VA mortgage is that it often requires no down payment, making it easier for veterans to purchase a home without a substantial upfront financial burden. Additionally, VA loans typically have competitive interest rates, which can save borrowers money over the life of the loan. The VA mortgage process can be broken down into several key steps: Eligibility: To qualify for a VA loan, individuals must meet specific service requ...
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR Associate® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
               Latest rates, based on 20 percent down, $200,000 owner-occupant mortgages. The rates and terms may vary; check with lenders for details. Rates may have changed click here to verifyWednesday, November 1, 2023  Lender Term/Type Interest Rate % Points % *APR Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union808-531-3711NMLS#377314 15-YR Fixed 6.500 1.500 6.931 30-YR Fixed 7.000 1.875 7.311 5-YR ARM 6.500 1.750 6.787 American Savings Bank808-593-1226NMLS#423168 15-YR Fixed 6.375 2.125 6.859 30-YR Fixed 7.125 1.875 7.411 5-YR ARM 7.000 1.500 7.872 Bank of Hawaii877-616-2636 15-YR Fixed 6.750 1.250 6.951 30-YR Fixed 7.500 0.625 7.564 5-YR ARM 6.750 1.250 7.657 Central Pacific Bank808-544-0500NMLS#416603 15-YR Fixed 6.625 1.875 7.083 30-YR Fixed 7.125 2.000 7.430 5-YR ARM 7.750 0.000 8.161 Fina...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(RE/MAX, Big Bear)
If you're thinking about becoming a homeowner, whether it's a regular real estate sale or a bank-owned property, there's one crucial step you should never overlook: getting pre-approved. It's a topic I've discussed repeatedly, and for good reason. Failing to complete this essential task can set you up for disappointment down the road. Let's take a moment to emphasize its importance.Pre-approval provides you with instant credibility in the eyes of the seller. When you submit your offer, backed by a pre-approval letter, it sends a clear message that you are a serious buyer. It also demonstrates that you've taken the time to confirm your ability to purchase the property. I would never advise a seller to consider an offer from a buyer who hasn't undergone this process.Furthermore, pre-appro...
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By Laura Sellers, www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Preferred Real Estate, Inc.; www.AuburnOpelikaALRealEstate.com)
Pines Crossing Golf Course Opens to Enthusiastic GolfersOn November 3, 2023, the eagerly anticipated reopening of the Pines Crossing Golf Course marked a significant milestone for the communities of Auburn and Opelika. The jointly owned public golf course, previously known as Indian Pines, had temporarily closed its doors earlier in the year to undergo extensive renovations. The changes were necessary to accommodate the Federal Aviation Administration’s mandate for an extension of the Auburn University Regional Airport’s runway safety area. This acquisition of land affected six of the course’s 18 holes. The grand reopening was met with excitement and high expectations from golfers of all levels of experience. For more information click here.#PinesCrossingGolf #GolfingCommunity #GolfCour...
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