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 Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
We didn’t have much economic data come out last week (as we do this week) but investors were anxiously waiting for Powell’s Speech on Friday at Jackson Hole. You can read the speech here.Powell opened the speech by reiterating the Fed’s job of bringing down inflation to 2%. He also mentioned how the Fed will be “prepared to raise rates further if appropriate and intend to hold policy at a restrictive level until we are confident that inflation is moving sustainably down toward our objective.”There was no mention of rate cuts in his speech. It’s not something they’re looking to do. I think the Fed has made it its mission to get inflation back to 2%. Anything but achieving that will play out as a failure.He expects the US to continue going through some difficult times to achieve this. Po...
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By Danny Papadopoulos, Offering Private & Second Mortgages in Toronto
(Homebase Mortgages)
The world economy is not yet in a good state and probably will not be back to normal for at least a few months or longer. Even economically strong countries like the United States and Canada are affected because of the crippling effects of the pandemic and other global issues. What does this mean and what can be done to alleviate this issue? One way to help the economy recover is for households to have more purchasing power so that they can use the money to help themselves and channel that money back into the economy. This is easier said than done since a lot of people have lost their source of income and many have still not yet recovered. So, where will the money come from?Use Your Home Equity NowA big part of the Canadian population are homeowners. Meaning, that a lot of people have h...
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By Danny Papadopoulos, Offering Private & Second Mortgages in Toronto
(Homebase Mortgages)
If you’re a homeowner who has any plan of selling your home in the future, then it pays to know what your target market may look for when you’re finally ready to make a sale. If you own a mid-range home, then your most likely future home buyers will be millennials. This is an important detail to note if you have plans to renovate your home or update it before a sale. You’ll want marketable features that will make your home more attractive to your target buyers if you want to increase your home equity or go for updates with the best value. Below is a list of popular home updates that millennials are looking for.Larger Kitchen AreasHome buyers these days are a fan of the open layout concept. More so, the kitchen is no longer perceived as a private room of the house. It is now common for f...
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By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
Unlocking your dream home is a journey tailored to you! 🌟🏡 Different loans, different credit score requirements – but fear not! I can help you find the perfect path to homeownership that matches your unique financial story. Reach out today so I can connect you with a trusted loan expert, and let's start paving the way to your new front door. 352-551-0308 Katina Hargrove, Broker/Owner SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR® https://www.stakeyourland.com/
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By Femme Capital Partners, Residential & Commercial Mortgage Broker
(Femme Capital Partners)
Empowering Equity and EmpowermentThe dream of homeownership is a universal aspiration that transcends gender, age, and background. However, beneath the surface of this shared dream lies a stark reality that deserves our attention: the homeownership rate disparity between men and women. In this blog, we delve into the statistics that shed light on this issue and explore its implications for both homeownership and the business world. From addressing gender imbalances in property ownership to acknowledging the hurdles women entrepreneurs face in securing business loans, this is a call to action to rewrite the narrative and empower equality.Homeownership: A Tale of DisparityAt first glance, owning a home seems to be a milestone that unites us all. But when we analyze the numbers, a signific...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
When selling your home, remember that a good first impression can make all the difference. From a welcoming entrance to clean and tidy bedrooms, every detail counts, so make sure you put your best foot forward when it comes to listing photos and open houses.#realestate #realestateagent #listreports #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #dreamhome #homeownership #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome #financehub
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
When it comes to the exciting journey of buying a home, understanding the factors that influence interest rates is key. From economic conditions and market trends, to credit scores and loan duration, a lot is taken into account before arriving at your final rate. If you’re ready to buy, send me a message — I’d love to chat!#realestate #realestateagent #listreports #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #dreamhome #homeownership #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome #financehub
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 4.38%CANHOU 06/15/28 [+0.03%]   ‌ 10 Year - 4.20%CANHOU 06/15/33 [+0.03%]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 5 Year - 4.10% CAN 03/01/28 [+0.03%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.70% CAN 06/01/33 [+0.02%]   ‌ 15 Year - 3.71%* Est. 12/01/38 [+0.02%]   ‌ 20 Year - 3.65%* Est. 12/01/43 [+0.01%] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.15% [-]                   Prime Rate 7.20% [-]    
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By Joseph Lorenzo, Your Law And Order Realtor
(Frank Rubi Real Estate LLC)
Today in our blog series "The ABC's of Real Estate," we're delving into a crucial aspect of the homebuying journey: understanding mortgage options. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, having a solid grasp of mortgage types and their implications is essential for making informed decisions. Let's explore the basics of mortgage financing to help you navigate this significant step.Mortgage 101: The BasicsA mortgage is a loan specifically designed for purchasing real estate. It allows buyers to spread the cost of a home over several years, making homeownership accessible to a wider range of individuals. There are several mortgage options available, each with its own set of features and advantages.Types of MortgagesFixed-Rate Mortgage: This is the most common type of mort...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
That’s a lot of savvy homebuyers who secure financing to make their dreams come true! Don't miss out on the opportunity to own your slice of paradise. Let's explore your options and make that dream address yours! #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #finances #realestate #realtor #realestateagent #happyhome #happyhomeowners
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By JoAnn Moore, Home Loans in Delaware
(The Mortgage Market of Delaware)
A few years ago Reverse Mortgages were not viewed in a positive light.  Media coverage focused on the few cases where the borrowers didn't understand that even though they didn't have a mortgage payment; they did need to pay their property taxes and insurance. Things are done differently now to help ensure this doesn't happen going forward. Now, credit reports are pulled to be able to calculate debt payments, home owners insurance and property taxes.If it looks like the borrower might struggle with these payments, a LESA can be established. This is a set aside amount from the proceeds of the Reverse Mortgage to ensure the taxes and insurance are paid in a timely manner. LESA is a Life Expectancy Set-Aside.To describe a Reverse Mortgage it can be viewed as a deferred payment loan. The bo...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
 How high can you go?The average US mortgage rate has surged to 7.1% — a level it has not reached for over two decades, according to data published by Freddie Mac last week — as sustained interest rate rises from the Federal Reserve continue to filter through into the mortgage market.Locked-inThe reverberations of these high mortgage payments, coupled with the sizable contingent of present homeowners who secured mortgages during the era of ultra-low interest rates, have cast a shadow over the housing market. Understandably, everyone already holding favorable fixed rates are reluctant to re-enter the mortgage market, leaving aspiring buyers with limited options. The consequence? A nearly 19% plunge in year-over-year sales of existing homes in June, converging to make the most challenging...
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By Linda Peltz, It's The Sold That Counts
(eXp Realty)
The Federal Reserve raised the target range for the federal funds rate by 25bps to 5.25%-5.5% in July 2023. This high-interest rate environment has contributed to historically high mortgage rates, making housing more expensive for many buyers. However, the housing market has experienced high demand and low inventory levels, which has led to increased competition and rising home prices in many parts of the US. It's important to note that housing trends can vary significantly across different regions and cities within the US.Realtor Linda Peltz and Michelle Johnson from the Hero Loan Team recently engaged in a casual conversation about the current state of the market and offering valuable insights for both buyers and sellers. Their discussion covers a range of topics, from specialized hom...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
The Fed meets at Jackson Hole end of August and that is what they will be focused on for the next two weeks. In the meantime, rates have hit new annual, and multi-decade, highs on the back of economic momentum and a lack of clarity on Fed policy.Both CPI and PPI showed inflation ticked up, bucking the year-long trend of YoY decreases. I was never a fan of the YoY data tracking. In order to see a true shift in momentum we need to see a trend in the month-over-month (MoM) numbers decrease, which we never got.Next week we get the Fed favored PCE reports along with unemployment numbers. The Fed’s next policy meeting is in September and they made it crystal clear that they will rely on the data for all future rate decisions.I think the Fed is in a place where they want to pause and see the ...
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By Femme Capital Partners, Residential & Commercial Mortgage Broker
(Femme Capital Partners)
A Deep Dive into Rising Mortgage RatesThe housing market, an ever-evolving realm of intricate dynamics, is currently facing a crisis fueled by an unexpected catalyst: surging mortgage rates. In this comprehensive blog, we aim to unravel the intricacies of this crisis, from the effects of rising mortgage rates to the scarcity of homes on the market, and the consequent impact on prices.The Role of Escalating Mortgage RatesThe central thread of the housing market's current turmoil can be traced back to the remarkable uptick in mortgage rates. These rates have a direct impact on the affordability of homes for potential buyers. As rates soar, monthly mortgage payments inflate, dissuading many aspiring homeowners from stepping into the market. This snowball effect results in a decreased pool ...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
These days, real estate is the highest appreciating asset. Building equity provides leverage you can use later to upgrade to a bigger home, or secure financial freedom for you and your family. Questions about if buying is worth it for you? Send me a message and let's chat!#realestate #realestateagent #listreports #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #dreamhome #homeownership #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome #financehub
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 4.38%CANHOU 06/15/28 [-0.03%]   ‌ 10 Year - 4.23%CANHOU 06/15/33 [-0.04%]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 5 Year - 4.10% CAN 03/01/28 [-0.03%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.75% CAN 06/01/33 [-0.04%]   ‌ 15 Year - 3.76%* Est. 12/01/38 [-0.05%]   ‌ 20 Year - 3.69%* Est. 12/01/43 [-0.06%] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.15% [-]                   Prime Rate 7.20% [-]    
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By Joseph Orabona, Your defense against the IRS
(Vector Tax & Accounting LLC)
Neglecting to pay your taxes can lead to serious consequences, and one of the most severe repercussions is the federal government filing a legal claim against all your current and future property through a federal tax lien. In this article, we'll break down what a federal tax lien is and provide guidance on what steps you should take if you receive a certified letter indicating that you have one. Please note that it's always advisable to seek the assistance of a specialized Tax Resolution Professional who can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf. If you'd like to schedule a free and confidential tax relief consultation.   What is a Federal Tax Lien? A federal tax lien is a document filed with a county government (usually where you reside or conduct business) to notify the general publ...
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By Femme Capital Partners, Residential & Commercial Mortgage Broker
(Femme Capital Partners)
Owning a home is a significant achievement, but the burden of a mortgage can sometimes feel daunting. The good news is that with the right strategies and determination, you can pay off your home faster than you think. In this blog, we'll delve into the best tips for paying off your home swiftly and explore a comprehensive plan to clear your mortgage in just 15 years. Make Extra Payments Whenever Possible 💵  One of the most effective ways to accelerate your mortgage payoff is by making extra payments. Allocate any windfalls, tax refunds, or bonuses towards your principal balance. Even adding a little extra each month can substantially reduce the time it takes to pay off your mortgage. Every additional payment goes directly towards reducing your principal, saving you interest in the long ...
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By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
Inflation, for the first time, has ticked up on the year-over-year charts. CPI and PPI both came in higher, bucking the downtrend we have been in. Most of the increase in inflation is due to an increase in shelter costs and real wages. The wages will be frowned upon by the Fed as they want a weaker labor market. They do not want wages to increase because a stronger consumer will continue to put pressure on the pricing of goods and services.Markets ended the week pushing the 10yr, and interest rates, higher. Some fear reentered the markets because the Fed has made it abundantly clear that they will plan their next interest rate move based off of the data.The Fed doesn’t have a policy meeting this month but will reconvene in September. They have their annual meeting this month in Jackson ...
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