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Mortgage / Finance

Anybody that's hung around the ActiveRain “water cooler” for any length of time understands the value of the relationships built on the site. AR is so much more than a social networking site, however.


It's also the place to get up-to-the-minute information on topics that affect your clients. Ask yourself: what's the most confusing aspect of buying a home for the real estate consumer? The answer is most likely financing the purchase. Credit scores and how they affect the mortgage rate, types of loan products, points, fees – whew! -- there's a lot to know about mortgages.


To serve your clients effectively you need to know about this stuff and keep abreast of changes in the mortgage industry. Thankfully, ActiveRain is not only popular with real estate agents and brokers but with finance professionals as well.


Whether you're an agent trying to figure out what the Fed's latest move means to your clients or a mortgage pro who needs input on how to build relationships with real estate agents, ActiveRain is the place to tap into a wealth of knowledge.

Recent blogs on Mortgage / Finance
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.10% CANHOU 06/15/30 [-0.05%]     10 Year - 3.74% CANHOU 09/15/35 [-0.07%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.21% [-]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.72% CAN 03/01/28 [-0.04%]     3 Year - 2.84% CAN 03/01/29 [-0.05%]     5 Year - 2.92% CAN 03/01/30 [-0.05%]     10 Year - 3.33% CAN 12/01/34 [-0.07%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Jared Hill, ERA Brokers have locations all over the west.
(ERA Brokers)
With millions of Americans now working as freelancers, consultants, or small business owners, mortgage lenders are seeing an influx of self-employed applicants. But qualifying for a mortgage without a W-2 can be daunting, especially when income varies month to month. If you’re a mortgage advisor, accountant, or financial coach, here’s how you can help your self-employed clients confidently prove their income and improve their chances of mortgage approval.1. Encourage Detailed Record-KeepingSelf-employed borrowers need meticulous records. Encourage clients to keep digital copies of: Tax returns (at least the last two years) Profit and loss statements Bank statements showing regular deposits 1099 forms or client invoices The more organized their documentation, the easier it is to demonstr...
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By Kathy Hyatt, PA Realtor® Plantation-Davie-Sunrise, Broward Realtor Selling Plantation,Davie & Sunrise
(Remax Services)
How to Bridge 🌉the Appraisal Gap💹📈 in Today’s Real Estate Market🌴If you are searching for drama, do not limit yourself to Netflix. Instead, tune in to the real estate market, where the competition among buyers has never been fiercer. And with homes selling for record highs,1 the appraisal process—historically, a standard part of a home purchase—is receiving more attention than ever. That is because some sellers are finding out the hard way that a strong offer can fizzle quickly when an appraisal comes in below the contract price. Traditionally, the sale of a home is contingent on a satisfactory valuation. But in a rapidly appreciating market, it can be difficult for appraisals to keep pace with rising prices.Thus, many sellers in today’s market favor buyers who are willing to guarantee ...
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By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
For homebuyers using a VA loan, the Tidewater Initiative can be a crucial part of the appraisal process—especially in today’s fast-moving, competitive real estate market. If the appraiser anticipates a lower value than the agreed-upon sale price, this process gives the parties a chance to provide supporting evidence before a final value is assigned. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:Step 1 – Buyer and Seller Agree on a PriceThis begins like any standard home purchase. A veteran buyer and a seller agree on a purchase price through negotiation and sign a contract. But just because both sides agree doesn’t mean the VA will.Step 2 – Buyer Presents the Purchase Agreement to the LenderOnce under contract, the buyer submits the signed purchase agreement to their VA-approved lende...
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By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
It’s the question on nearly every prospective buyer’s mind in 2025: Should I buy now, or wait for rates to drop and prices to stabilize? While it’s natural to want to time the market, real estate is rarely that simple—and waiting could cost you more than you think.Let’s start with interest rates. Yes, they’ve been higher than we’d all like over the past couple of years. But here’s the truth: today’s rates, while elevated compared to the ultra-low pandemic levels, are still historically moderate. And the Fed’s signals suggest rate cuts could come—eventually. But waiting for that perfect drop isn’t guaranteed, and home prices may rise while you wait.Why? Inventory remains painfully low in many markets, especially in California. Builders haven’t caught up, and homeowners locked into ultra-...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Can you use your tax refund to buy a home? It can happen.Let your tax refund help you buy a home (Photo: Pixabay)See this from Allaire Conte in Realtor.com 3/28/25, "So far this year, the average federal tax refund is $3,330, according to the IRS. For hopeful homebuyers, that spring windfall could offer a meaningful step toward homeownership—if they know how to use it.But it’s not as simple as dropping that money into a down payment fund. Depending on where you are in your homebuying journey, your refund could be better spent improving your credit profile, covering upfront costs like inspections, or even attending a homebuyer education course that unlocks lender incentives. To find out what strategies offer the biggest impact, we asked five real estate and finance experts how buyers sho...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 2.94% CANHOU 06/15/30 [+0.05%]     10 Year - 3.60%* Est. CANHOU 09/15/35 [+0.03%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.21% [-0.19%]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.59% CAN 03/01/28 [+0.06%]     3 Year - 2.68% CAN 03/01/29 [+0.06%]     5 Year - 2.74% CAN 03/01/30 [+0.06%]     10 Year - 3.15% CAN 12/01/34 [+0.04%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Jasvir Josan, Target Marketing Specialist
(Direct Realty and Mortgage)
Your credit score is a powerful three-digit number that significantly impacts your financial life. A good score unlocks better interest rates on loans, credit cards, and even affects things like renting an apartment or getting insurance. The good news? You don't have to wait months to see improvement. There are impactful things to do today to improve your credit score. Let's dive into actionable steps you can take right now to start building a brighter financial future.1. Check Your Credit Reports for Errors (It Takes Minutes!)One of the quickest and most crucial things to do today to improve your credit score is to review your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Mistakes happen, and even small inaccuracies can negatively affect your sc...
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By Jorge Newbery, Recruiting RE agents to be MLOs for banks
(OwnEasy Solutions LLC)
"That must be a huge conflict of interest" is the response I got recently from a high-volume agent whom I was trying to recruit to become a part-time mortgage loan officer for a national bank. He was responding to my suggestion that he could be both the agent and MLO on the same transaction. I have heard similar from brokers who refuse to allow their agents to become RELOs (dual-role agent MLOs). However, for the party that matters - homebuyers - having an agent serve as MLO on the same transaction is a beneficial alignment of interests rather than a conflict.In December 2022, FHA clarified existing conflict of interest and dual employment policies to conclude that "participants that do not have a direct impact on the mortgage approval decision," such as real estate agents and mortgage ...
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
When you hear the term “100% financing” in real estate, it sounds almost too good to be true — but it’s genuine for qualified buyers!In simple terms, 100% financing means you can purchase a home without making a traditional down payment. Instead of putting down 5%, 10%, or 20%, eligible buyers can finance the entire purchase price.Two of the most popular 100% financing options are VA loans and USDA loans:VA LoansAvailable to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some military families, VA loans are one of the best benefits of service. VA loans offer: No down payment required No private mortgage insurance (PMI) Competitive interest rates It is important to work with an agent who understands the VA loan process and can help you navigate appraisal and contract guidelines.USDA...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Current Mortgage Rates are: "A" Lending:Fixed        4.19%* for insured Fixed        4.44% for conventionalVariable   4.30% for insured Variable   4.65% for uninsured  Rental  4.69% fixed             4.94% variable                                Prime Rate  4.95%Next rate set by Bank of Canada is on June 4, 2025 "B" Lending:1 year      4.94% to 5.24%2 years    4.79% to 5.09%3 years    4.69% to 4.99%20% down payment requiredSelf-Employed - 12 months bank statements  "C" Lending:Rate starts from 5.99% - Fully OpenStated Income "2nd Mortgage"Rate starts from 11.99% 
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
"When the Bank Comes Knocking: The Real Story Behind Foreclosures (and Why You Shouldn’t Face It Alone)"I’ll never forget the guy. Let’s call him Dave.Single dad. Two kids. Lost his job during a company restructure. He’d done everything right—paid his mortgage on time for years, kept the house in great shape. But then life happened. The savings ran dry, and one day, he opened the mailbox to a letter from the bank that hit like a gut punch: Notice of Default.He called me the same day.His voice was shaky. Embarrassed. But I didn’t hear failure—I heard a man trying to do the best for his kids. That’s when I stepped in, like I’ve done for so many others.Look, no one wakes up one day and says, “I think I’ll go into foreclosure.” It sneaks up—lost income, unexpected bills, divorce, inflation—...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.05% CANHOU 06/15/30 [+0.07%]     10 Year - 3.67%* Est. CANHOU 09/15/35 [+0.07%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.40% [-]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.68% CAN 03/01/28 [+0.05%]     3 Year - 2.77% CAN 03/01/29 [+0.05%]     5 Year - 2.84% CAN 03/01/30 [+0.07%]     10 Year - 3.25% CAN 12/01/34 [+0.07%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
When it comes to buying a home, most people focus on the fun part—finding the perfect kitchen, scoping out the backyard, or imagining the first housewarming party. But behind every successful home purchase is a key player often overlooked: the lender. In a recent interview of Linda Peltz Clovis Realtor with seasoned mortgage professional Eric Becerra, also known as The Loan Wolf, we get a behind-the-scenes look at why choosing the right lender isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential.Tune in to video below  Not All Loans Are Created EqualOne of the biggest misconceptions among homebuyers is that mortgages are a one-size-fits-all product. According to Eric, “Every scenario is so different.” From credit history to employment type and financial goals, no two buyers are alike. That’s why havi...
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By ReadySetLoan Team, Home Loans, Market Trends, Condo Approval Experts
(ReadySetLoan)
Jobs data, tariff talk, and Fed speeches could drive mortgage rates even lower — are you ready?Mortgage rates have been sprinting downhill since January 14, surprising many experts who expected inflation and trade tensions to push them higher. For homebuyers, this drop has been a welcome tailwind, giving a noticeable boost to purchase applications through Q1.Now, all eyes are on April 2 — dubbed “liberation day” by President Trump — as we wait to see what new tariff developments might emerge. But that’s not the only headline with the power to move markets. This week also brings critical labor market data and several Federal Reserve speeches. At ReadySetLoan, we believe jobs data often packs more punch than inflation chatter when it comes to influencing mortgage rates.Let’s unpack what t...
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By ReadySetLoan Team, Home Loans, Market Trends, Condo Approval Experts
(ReadySetLoan)
As we head into the 2025 election cycle, the mortgage industry is watching closely: what will Trump 2.0 mean for housing? While there’s still a lot of uncertainty, some early signs suggest big changes could be coming—especially for government-backed loans and low-income borrowers.No Change (Yet) to Loan LimitsFHFA Director Bill Pulte recently reassured the industry that there are no plans to lower the conforming loan limit, which currently sits at $806,500. That’s a relief to many, since a reduction would push more buyers into private, non-guaranteed mortgages—likely with higher rates and less protection.But make no mistake—talks of downsizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are back.🐷 RSL Piggy Points: What You Need to Know Conforming loan limits are safe for now, but changes could still co...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 2.66% CANHOU 06/15/30 [-0.04%]     10 Year - 3.27%* Est. CANHOU 09/15/35 [-0.03%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 3.40% [-]     Prime Rate 4.95% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 2.33% CAN 03/01/28 [-0.09%]     3 Year - 2.39% CAN 03/01/29 [-0.06%]     5 Year - 2.45% CAN 03/01/30 [-0.06%]     10 Year - 2.83% CAN 12/01/34 [-0.05%]     GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only * denotes interpolated rate
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By Jeff Markell, Sr. Mortgage Consultant - Forward & Reverse
(Empire Home Loans Inc.)
Retirement is no longer an abstract concern—it’s a time to ensure financial security, maintain independence, and create a legacy. Below are some of the most pressing questions seniors have, along with strategic solutions to address them.1. How Do I Best Provide Inheritance While Alive?Many retirees want to pass on wealth to their loved ones while they are still alive. Options include gifting assets, setting up a trust, or using financial strategies that allow controlled distributions. A Reverse Mortgage can help by providing tax-free funds from home equity, allowing seniors to gift money without depleting their retirement savings.2. How Can I Enhance My Private Pay Options for In-Home Care and Ease the Burden on My Family?Long-term care insurance, annuities, and personal savings are com...
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
Let’s face it, selling and buying a house at the same time can be very overwhelming and usually involves some element of risk. However, it is common for people to have to buy and sell at the same time. Per the National Association of Realtors, 71% of repeat home buyers still owned their previous residences, which means it’s highly likely that most of them were both buyers and sellers.If you are lucky enough to time it right, you may hit that perfect “sweet spot” where you sell your house, make a profit that can be used for a down payment, and then find your next dream home, in that order. But chances are, things might not go as planned and hoped for.Let’s look at some common challenges you might face, different avenues that might work better for you, and tips for getting through the pro...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
Many buyers face the frustrating reality of making contingent offers, which can be less attractive to sellers. This is where bridge loans come in. A bridge loan allows you to leverage the equity in your existing home to purchase your new home before selling the old one. This gives you flexibility, improves your buying power, and eliminates contingencies that might otherwise weaken your offer. With Kyle Poulin and Van Patten Mortgage, you can access specialized financing solutions to navigate the real estate market with confidence. Recently Kyle held an insightful discussion with Linda Peltz, Fresno realtor. They covered all topics from DCSR, Bridge Loan to Reverse 1031, tune in to video below for more What is a Bridge Loan, and How Does It Work?A bridge loan is a short-term financing op...
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