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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))
CMB 5 Year - 3.97% CANHOU 06/15/29 [-0.03%]     10 Year - 4.11% CANHOU 03/15/34 [-0.02%]     Floating Rate insured cost of funds 5.35% [-]     Prime Rate 7.20% [-]     GoC 2 Year - 4.29% CAN 02/01/26 [-0.02%]     3 Year - 3.92% CAN 03/01/27 [-0.02%]     5 Year - 3.69% CAN 03/01/29 [-0.03%]     10 Year - 3.65% CAN 06/01/34 [-0.02%]  
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By Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets, CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego
(Big Block Realty 858.232.8722)
 Are Lenders Getting A Borrower / Broker Agreement? Would it Maximize Efficiency and Loyalty? Would the Possible Impact of a Borrower / Broker Agreement in the Mortgage Industry Improve Their Industry and Borrower Experience Equally?In the fast-paced world of mortgage lending, efficiency and loyalty are paramount for success. Mortgage brokers and lenders are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, enhance client relationships, and minimize risks. Given all the news about the NAR lawsuit, and buyer/broker agreements becoming mandatory (which agents should love since it protects their time & income), I pondered "what if?" What if lenders had a powerful tool to address these loyalty needs? What if there was the lender version of the buyer/broker agreement? Let's explore how this ...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
Rates have ticked higher in the past week and have been in a recent uptrend. The jobs report that came in Friday showed more jobs added than expected. Although the unemployment rate was as expected at 3.8%, the strong jobs report was another signal that Fed intervention isn't needed just yet.On top of that, Fed member Kashkari spooked markets by saying rate cuts may not be warranted this year if inflation does not come down. This was not what the markets wanted to hear on a Friday heading into the weekend. Kashkari is the number one hawk (one who advocates for tighter monetary policy). I shared this chart last week as we knew a lot of members would be speaking. This week we get the very important CPI and PPI inflation reports. These need to come in below expectations for us to see some ...
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By Dionne Bass, Blog: Ask The Underwriter
(Ask The Underwriter)
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By Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
There will always be a current market. Successful agents will learn to navigate higher interest rates with their customers. Keep educating yourself and your buyers about the benefits of owning real estate. Those who are paying rent are paying someone’s mortgage, just not their own. Work with good lenders to halo the navigate the current lending market.  Here in Washington, DC, the real estate market is a little goofy, leaving buyers sitting on the fence wondering what to do. There are far fewer people putting their homes on the market. But homes that are for sale seem to be taking longer to sell, and while there are some bidding wars, they are fewer and far less bloody than they have been over the past couple of years. And a lot of us are blaming it on the recent interest rate increases...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
I always tell the story of my house in Waterloo, Ontario that I bought with a 12 1/2% interest rate, then refinanced to 10 1/2%, and thought I was doing well. I sold that house in 1997 when I moved to Maryland. The same exact house on the same block today sold for $725,000 and the interest rates are hovering around 6%. Did waiting to buy help anyone out?  Here in Washington, DC, the real estate market is a little goofy, leaving buyers sitting on the fence wondering what to do. There are far fewer people putting their homes on the market. But homes that are for sale seem to be taking longer to sell, and while there are some bidding wars, they are fewer and far less bloody than they have been over the past couple of years. And a lot of us are blaming it on the recent interest rate increas...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Waiting for interest rates to go down can be a tempting strategy, especially when considering a major purchase like a home. However, predicting interest rate movements is challenging, and rates can fluctuate due to various economic factors. It's essential to weigh the potential savings from lower rates against the risks of waiting, such as missing out on the right property or facing higher prices in a competitive market. Consulting with a financial advisor or mortgage expert can help you make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances and goals.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Here in Washington, DC, the real estate market is a little goofy, leaving buyers sitting on the fence wondering what to do. There are far fewer people putting their homes on the...
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By Patricia Kennedy, Home in the Capital
(RLAH@properties)
Here in Washington, DC, the real estate market is a little goofy, leaving buyers sitting on the fence wondering what to do. There are far fewer people putting their homes on the market. But homes that are for sale seem to be taking longer to sell, and while there are some bidding wars, they are fewer and far less bloody than they have been over the past couple of years. And a lot of us are blaming it on the recent interest rate increases. This has a lot of would-be buyers scratching their heads. "Should I wait," they ask, "or should I jump in now?"Here are some things for your fence-sitting buyers to think about as they try to figure out what to do: For most buyers, the interest paid each year on their mortgage is tax deductible, so Uncle Sam may absorb some of the added cost. Their tax...
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By Dionne Bass, Blog: Ask The Underwriter
(Ask The Underwriter)
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
The first cut is the deepest‍The Federal Reserve announced its latest interest rate decision to stand pat again. A consensus has been built around maintaining the status quo, with the majority of economists expecting Jay Powell & co. to keep rates at their 23-year high of 5.25-5.5%.However, even if rates stay put, the Fed might give clues on when the all-important cut might come: a big deal for everyone who has a credit card, a mortgage, a student loan, or any other debt with a variable interest rate.‍Waiting game‍Battling inflation, the Fed embarked on a hiking cycle that's been unprecedented in modern times. As we entered 2024, a slew of traders were betting on a rate cut as early as March. Yet, with inflation exceeding forecasts in both January and February, a June rate cut has becom...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
The Fed's preferred inflation report, the PCE, was reported last Friday. Results were in line with expectations. The market is now betting on a June rate cut. I think June is one Fed meeting too early. We don't receive any inflation data this week but hear daily from Fed members (about 18 talks total) and get labor data. Below you can see the same chart as last week showing the Fed members' Hawkish/Dovish stances. Here is what's in store this weekMonday Construction Spending ISM Manufacturing Fed Gov Cook Speaks Tuesday Job Openings Fed Gov Bowman Speaks Cleveland Fed President Mester Speaks San Francisco Fed President Daly Speaks Wednesday ADP Employment Fed Gov Bowman Speaks New York Fed President Williams Moderates Discussion Fed Chair Powell Speaks Fed Vice Chair For Supervisions Ba...
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By Rodney Mason, VP of Mtg Lending, AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,FL,GA,IN,MI,MS,NC,SC,TN,TX,VA,WA
(Guaranteed Rate NMLS# 2611)
Today, the Federal Housing Administration issued guidance regarding the payment of Real Estate Agent commission and forthcoming changes in the real estate industry.  This is in response to numerous inquiries received by FHA after the recent settlement proposed by the National Association of REALTORS®.    In its announcement, they stated: Since its announcement, FHA has received questions from its stakeholders regarding how the proposed settlement agreement will affect the treatment of seller-paid buyer real estate broker fees in transactions using FHA-insured mortgage financing.Under existing FHA policy, if sellers continue to pay buyer-side real estate agent commissions and fees as a manner of state and local law or custom, and if the commissions and fees are reasonable in amount, exis...
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By Dionne Bass, Blog: Ask The Underwriter
(Ask The Underwriter)
Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. – Dale Carnegie.​Over 28 years in the mortgage industry and I still struggle with the same fear I had when I first started back in 1995. “Fear of making a mistake”. 😱​I don’t care how many managers, co-workers , friends and family tell me people make mistakes, there are times when I just can’t shake that fear.​But….. One thing I never do is allow that fear to stop me. I own it. I admit it and I do it scared. Procrastination is a common symptom of fear. This Wednesday…. I say do it scared! 💪🏽​#wednesdaywisdom Happy Hump Day Everyone! 🐪 🐫​❓Ask me about Monthly Mentoring​#asktheunderwriter, #nofileleftbehind, #mortgagetraining, #mortgag...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
As expected, the Fed kept rates unchanged last Wednesday. They reiterated a few things that instilled confidence in the markets. 1. Inflation is continuing to come down. The markets liked hearing this from the Fed as we were coming off the heels of a few hotter-than-expected inflation reports.2. We are at peak rates for this cycle. This leaves the Fed with the possibility of only pausing or cutting at future Fed meetings. 3. We are still on pace for 3 rate cuts for 75 bps. The Fed let the markets know this is still the plan and the markets were happy to hear that. Rates have been propelled higher in recent weeks due to the higher-than-expected inflation reports. The Fed meeting was a breath of fresh air though and allowed for rates to come down a bit. Looking ahead, the next Fed meeting...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
“The same wall that keeps out your disappointment also keeps out the sunlight of enriching experiences. So let life touch you. The next touch could be the one that turns your life around.” -Jim Rohn   In 2008, I discovered that I was relying too heavily on past experiences and letting fear or uncertainty cloud my judgment, causing me to miss out on new opportunities.   It didn't take long for me to realize my mistake, prompting me to self-correct!   Now, I actively keep my options open and welcome "different and unfamiliar" territory because I've learned that it's crucial for expanding both my business and knowledge.   Happy #MotivationalMonday!   #asktheunderwriter, #nofileleftbehind, #mortgagetraining, #mortgagebrokers, #creditunions   Dionne Bass www.asktheunderwriter.net Monthly Me...
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By Dionne Bass, Blog: Ask The Underwriter
(Ask The Underwriter)
“The same wall that keeps out your disappointment also keeps out the sunlight of enriching experiences. So let life touch you. The next touch could be the one that turns your life around.” -Jim Rohn In 2008, I discovered that I was relying too heavily on past experiences and letting fear or uncertainty cloud my judgment, causing me to miss out on new opportunities. It didn't take long for me to realize my mistake, prompting me to self-correct! Now, I actively keep my options open and welcome "different and unfamiliar" territory because I've learned that it's crucial for expanding both my business and knowledge. Happy #MotivationalMonday! #asktheunderwriter, #nofileleftbehind, #mortgagetraining, #mortgagebrokers, #creditunions Dionne Basswww.asktheunderwriter.netMonthly Mentoring for Mor...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Equity Advisors
(Watermark Capital)
March’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) came and went largely as expected on Wednesday, with the policy-setting body of the Federal Reserve again keeping its anchor rate unchanged at 5.25% to 5.5%.It’s the fifth consecutive meeting that the central bank has held the benchmark rate steady at its highest level since 2001, in keeping with its well-documented “higher for longer” proclamation. Most Fed watchers aren’t expecting a rate cut until spring (Moody’s has the first decrease pegged for May, while Fannie Mae anticipates the initial reduction in June), and hotter-than-expected inflation data from the past couple of months bolstered the case for holding off on a rate-lowering cycle.The post-meeting statement issued by the FOMC reflected the ongoing holding pattern in...
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By Robin Gauthier, I have the Key to your NextHome
(NextHome Tidewater Realty)
The Assist: Don’t Miss These First-Time Homebuyer Grants and ProgramsCongratulations on deciding to step onto the homeownership court! As you gear up for this exciting journey, remember that finding the right loan is just as important as finding the perfect home. Luckily, there are plenty of grants and programs available at Southern Trust Mortgage to help you with down payments, closing costs, and other expenses associated with buying a home.  1.Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans:Think of FHA loans as your MVP in the game of homeownership. With their low down payment requirements and flexible eligibility criteria, they make scoring your dream home easier with as little as a 3.5% down payment.  2.Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac HomeReady and Home Possible Programs:These programs are l...
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By Dan McElfresh, Your St. Louis real estate & lifestyle guide
(St. Louis Living powered by Narrative Real Estate)
Purchasing a home is a milestone that many of us dream of, but the journey to turning that key for the first time can be filled with uncertainty and stress. That's where Emily and the team at Flat Branch Home Loans shine, transforming the daunting into the doable, the complex into the clear.The Journey to Mortgage MasteryEmily's venture into the mortgage industry was sparked by her own home-buying experience. Understanding firsthand the rollercoaster of emotions and the avalanche of questions that come with purchasing a home, she embarked on a mission: to demystify the mortgage process for others. Emily is not just any loan officer; she's a guide, a supporter, and, most importantly, a listener who knows that at the heart of every mortgage is a dream waiting to be realized.A Personal Tou...
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