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 Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
There’s an old adage in real estate: location, location, location. But ever since the Federal Reserve began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has emerged: mortgage rates, mortgage rates, mortgage rates.Higher rates had the immediate impact of dampening homebuyer affordability and demand. But this year, we’re seeing further repercussions. While analysts expected listing inventory to swell as sales declined, instead, homeowners have been pushing off plans to sell because they feel beholden to their existing, lower mortgage rates.So what impact is this reduced demand and low supply environment having on home values? And what can we expect from the real estate market in the coming months and years? Here are several key indicators that help to paint...
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By Lindsay Greene, Oklahoma City Real Estate
(Lindsay Greene Oklahoma Real Estate Agent)
As we approach the end of the year, it is important to stay up to date with the current trends in the real estate market. One trend that has been affecting both buyers and sellers is the continuous climb of high-interest rates. In this blog post, we will discuss how buyers, sellers, and those with a mortgage can navigate this trend.Buyers in the market for a new home may be discouraged by the high-interest rates, but there are still ways to make a purchase. One option is to consider a fixed-rate mortgage, which will lock in the current interest rate for the duration of the loan. Additionally, buyers should aim to have a high credit score and a low debt-to-income ratio to secure the best interest rate possible. It is also important to keep a close eye on the market and act quickly when a...
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By RPDFW @ Salas Home Team, #1 Team in Real Estate Specialty Services
(Realty Preferred DFW)
The FHA Home Loan: A Great Option for First-Time BuyersBuying a home is one of the biggest investments and most important decisions we make in life. But for many first-time buyers, the prospect of coming up with a substantial down payment can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a loan program designed for new homebuyers that can help ease the burden of a large down payment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the FHA home loan and why it might be the perfect option for first-time homebuyers.What is the FHA Home Loan?Established in 1934 as part of the National Housing Act, the FHA became a government agency in 1965. The FHA's mandate is to improve housing standards and conditions, provide an adequate home financing system through insurance of mort...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
First, I want to pay my respects to all our fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our great nation. Their service is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. I just wanted to say thank you to our heroes and those that continue to serve.Next, let’s dive into this week’s news.Friday saw higher inflation numbers, raising the odds of a June rate hike and possibly more hikes than anticipated just a week ago. The numbers have more than doubled from just a week ago.     I said we should have one more hike and it’s looking like that will be played out at the very least.On the flip side, and as predicted, the negotiations on the debt ceiling have ended (temporarily) as a deal has been reached. You can catch up on some of the details HERE, but it is important to know that the US wi...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Your credit score helps lenders see how you've handled debt in the past; the higher your score, the lower the interest rate on your mortgage might be. So, as you can imagine, it's good to raise your score in preparation for applying for a loan. #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #finances #financetips #investment #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #happyhomeowners  
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Your credit score helps lenders see how you've handled debt in the past; the higher your score, the lower the interest rate on your mortgage might be. So, as you can imagine, it's good to raise your score in preparation for applying for a loan. #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #finances #financetips #investment #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #happyhomeowners 
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By Rochelle Roesler Fargo Realtor, Top Realtor Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo
(Century 21)
Congratulations on considering buying a home in Fargo, ND! This vibrant city offers a welcoming community, abundant job opportunities, and an affordable cost of living. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to settle down in a new area, Fargo has a lot to offer. In this blog post, we will walk you through the prequalification process and discuss the down payment requirements, including options such as VA loans and the USDA Rural Development program. Pre-qualification Process: Before you embark on your home buying journey, it's essential to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This step helps determine how much you can afford to borrow and gives you an estimate of the loan amount you may qualify for. Organize your financial documents: Begin by gathering your financial informatio...
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By Jason Mathis, I help people and businesses resolve tax debt!
(Mathis Tax Service)
Facing overwhelming tax debt can be a daunting experience. Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a potential solution known as an Offer in Compromise (OIC). This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the Offer in Compromise program, providing you with the knowledge needed to navigate the process and potentially settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed.Understanding Offer in Compromise:An Offer in Compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that allows the taxpayer to settle their tax debt for less than the total amount owed. It is designed to provide individuals and businesses experiencing financial hardship with a fresh start and a realistic path towards resolving their tax obligations.Eligibility for Offer in Compromise:While an Offer ...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
Last week I mentioned how we were near a breakout point on the 10 yr. The breakout occurred, but unfortunately, it was to the upside as fears of a June rate hike were ignited along with the battle of the debt ceiling continuing to drag on (odds are the ceiling gets raised and the US does not default on its debt, but it’s been a wild ride so far and anything’s possible). We heard from a lot of Fed members this past week, including Chairman Powell. In a nutshell, some Fed members want to pause, some want to increase (No one is suggesting a cut and will not until more economic turmoil surfaces). The inconsistency of the Fed is frustrating but nobody has the “right” answer. Decisions will be made day-to-day, meeting-to-meeting, and will be extremely data-dependent. Before the last Fed rate...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
A good FICO score opens up a world of possibilities, paving the way for favorable mortgage rates, flexible loan options, and smoother home-buying experiences. But did you know you can qualify for a mortgage even if your credit score is less than perfect? Let's talk about your options; send me a message! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #finances #themoreyouknow #creditscore #smartmoney #happyhomeowners #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #realtornearme #realtorspartanburg #realtorboilingsprings #realtorspartanburgsc #realtorboilinspringssc
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By Charles Ross - (785)-819-6944, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
One of the most important financial decisions you will ever make during your lifetime involves securing appropriate life insurance coverage. Life insurance policies provide financial protection to your loved ones after your passing, helping to ensure that they are well provided for during an incredibly difficult period. This article will delve into the various aspects of life insurance to help you make an informed decision. Understanding the Basics of Life Insurance At its core, life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company. In exchange for regular premium payments, the insurer agrees to pay out a certain amount of money, known as the death benefit, to your designated beneficiaries upon your passing. This death benefit can be used to cover funeral costs, pay off deb...
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By Femme Capital Partners, Residential & Commercial Mortgage Broker
(Femme Capital Partners)
The mortgage industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but the tide is turning as more and more women are entering the field and making their mark.  Today there are a growing number of women-led mortgage companies that are outperforming their male-led mortgage counterparts.  In this blog post, we'll explore how they outperform and the benefits of working for a small brokerage versus a large bank or lender.  WHY WOMEN-LED MORTGAGE COMPANIES MATTERWomen-led mortgage companies are still relatively rare, but they are making a big impact.  According to a recent report by the National Association of Women in Real Estate Businesses, only 20% of the top 100 mortgage lenders are women-led.  However, those that are led by women are experiencing significant growth and success.  Why is this?F...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
Firstly, I’d like to give a shout-out to all of the mom’s out there today. I hope you were able to spend some time with your loved ones and get spoiled for the day. Lord knows you deserve it. Happy Mother's Day!Secondly, let’s talk about what we have for the upcoming week. We will be hearing from lots of Fed members and receiving some economic data, such as housing. Fed members will most likely be discussing the appropriateness of the recent rate hike, the “health” of the banking sector, and how they will let the data drive their upcoming decisions.Another story that will be in the headlines for the next few weeks is raising the debt ceiling. I always have said that even though Fed Chairman Powell is a Paul Volcker fan (the Fed chairman of the 1980s who raised rates near 20%), we do no...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
 Are you planning to buy a new home? As your real estate agent, I can walk you through all the things that help determine your mortgage and your down payment. Understanding these key factors can help you make informed decisions and secure the best mortgage for your situation. #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #househunting #realtornearme #realtorspartanburg #realtorboilingsprings #realtorspartanburgsc ##thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #househunting #realestate #realestateagent #realtor #househunting
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
While these two terms sound interchangeable, they are very different. Understanding the differences and when to complete each step is essential but can also be confusing. But don't fret; I can help you every step of the way. I'm only a message away! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #happyhomeowners #househunting #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #themoreyouknow #realtornearme #realtorspartanburg #realtorspartanburgsc #realtorboilingsprings #realtorboilingspringssc
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By Garrett Puckett, VA Loan Lender
(Security America Mortgage)
How Does an Oregon VA Home Loan Work?An Oregon va loan works just like a Texas VA loan or va loan in any state. The Department of Veterans Affairs makes this possible and sets the guidelines for Lenders all over the United States. Often times States have additional support for Veterans and active service members. States and counties can have VA loan limits but the Veterans Affairs doesn't set va loan limits. However, Lenders like Security America Mortgage usually have a maximum loan amount. What makes an Oregon va loan unique is the beautiful state of Oregon. There are many benefits to living in Oregon for our active-duty Military service members and Veterans. Let me first remind you of the 15 general benefits of getting an Oregon va loan. Benefits of Oregon VA Home Loans Include: No mo...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 3.28%*CANHOU 06/15/28 [+0.04%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.34%*CANHOU 06/15/33 [+0.02%]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 5 Year - 2.96% CAN 03/01/28 [+0.03%]   ‌ 10 Year - 2.84% CAN 12/01/32 [+0.01%]   ‌ 15 Year - 3.02%* Est. 12/01/38 [-0.01%]   ‌ 20 Year - 3.05%* Est. 12/01/43 [-0.01%] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.04% [-]                   Prime Rate 6.70% [-]    
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By Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
This is good information on the rescinding of the DTI LLPA rules that were to go into effect. They are going to come up with common sense changes moving forward. The FHFA announced today that the DTI (Debt To Income) based LLPA (Loan Level Price Adjustment), which had been temporarily postponed for 3 months, has been rescinded indefinitely.  This is great news and avoids a deluge of complications.  The FHFA’s Director, Sandra Thomas, cited overwhelming feedback from the mortgage industry and industry participants for the reversal.  Logic prevailed in this case. This from Housing Wire Did you hear that sound? That’s the entire mortgage industry shouting, “hip, hip hooray!” The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Wednesday announced that it would rescind a controversial loan-level pr...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
The FHFA announced today that the DTI (Debt To Income) based LLPA (Loan Level Price Adjustment), which had been temporarily postponed for 3 months, has been rescinded indefinitely.  This is great news and avoids a deluge of complications.  The FHFA’s Director, Sandra Thomas, cited overwhelming feedback from the mortgage industry and industry participants for the reversal.  Logic prevailed in this case.This from Housing WireDid you hear that sound? That’s the entire mortgage industry shouting, “hip, hip hooray!” The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Wednesday announced that it would rescind a controversial loan-level pricing adjustment (LLPA) for conventional borrowers with debt-to-income (DTI) levels at or above 40%.The FHFA, which regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, had previo...
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By George Souto, Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
(George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages)
Hot off the press FHFA has rescinded their new UNFAIR Loan Level Price Adjustments (LLPA's).  This is proof that when we stick together and make our voice heard, even the most deaf administration has to take notice.This was a very unfair increase in the LLPA's by the present administration which penalized responsible borrowers with excellent credit scores, at the expense of irresponsible borrowers with bad credit scores.  This was really a smoke and mirror attempt by the present administration, because all it was going to do was exhort more money from responsible borrowers, and do noting for irresponsible borrowers who would not be able to qualify for financing.This rescinding of the LLPA's was not because the present administration all of the sudden realized this was unfair, but becaus...
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