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 are coming off a rebound week with regard to interest rates. The week before we saw a jump in rates due to the strong labor market numbers. Remember, the Fed wants a weaker labor market before it cuts rates. Right now, the labor market remains the main data point for the Fed to continue its rate hikes.Inflation, as we saw in this most recent week, is trending downwards. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 3% (just below expectations) and the Producer Price Index (PPI) came in at only 0.1%. Yes, this means that prices are still higher today than a year ago, but the numbers are trending in the right direction.Although the year-over-year data is in a good trend, I’m still waiting for the month-over-month (MoM) data to show repetitive declines. I’ve always said that once we see 3 ...
Comments 2
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
  Annual inflation in the US rose 3% in June, marking the smallest year-over-year rate increase since March 2021, according to government data released yesterday. On a monthly basis, inflation grew 0.2% in June. Both figures are lower than analyst expectations of 3.1% growth year-over-year and 0.3% growth month-over-month.    The consumer price index, which measures price changes for a basket of goods and services, rose 4.8% year-over-year when excluding volatile food and energy prices. The rise in inflation is partly due to high housing costs, which were offset by declines in the prices of used cars and trucks, airline fares, and food items such as bacon, milk, and eggs. See a detailed breakout of prices for various commodities here.   The consumer price index has cooled since peaking ...
Comments 4
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
In a development that raises a glimmer of hope for those pushing for the Federal Reserve to leave its benchmark interest rate alone, consumer prices saw their smallest annualized gain in more than two years in June, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks national inflation, rose by 0.2% month over month in June, coming in under consensus expectations. Both the Dow Jones and a group of economists polled by Reuters predicted an increase of 0.3% from the preceding month.On an annual basis, the CPI’s all-items index increased 3%, marking the smallest 12-month gain in the metric since March 2021. This figure also undershot forecasts from Reuters experts and the Dow Jones, both of whom estimated an annual gain of 3.1%.Core inflation, whic...
Comments 4
By Joseph Orabona, Your defense against the IRS
(Vector Tax & Accounting LLC)
Proper tax planning is a crucial aspect of financial management that you should be addressing throughout the year. Waiting until April to assess your tax liability is a risky move. To ensure you keep more money in your pocket, it's essential to be aware of factors that can unexpectedly raise your taxes. Today we will explore five key factors that could potentially increase your tax owed at the end of the year. By being proactive and considering these factors, you can better plan your finances and mitigate tax surprises. Factor #1 - Cashing in Your Retirement Plan:Early withdrawal from your retirement plan, such as a 401(k), can lead to significant tax penalties. If you opt to receive the proceeds in cash instead of rolling them over into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you will ...
Comments 0
By Joseph Orabona, Your defense against the IRS
(Vector Tax & Accounting LLC)
Filing your tax return accurately is crucial to avoid unnecessary tax troubles. However, it's not uncommon to discover errors or overlooked information after you've already filed. Fortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allows taxpayers to amend their returns using Form 1040X.In this blog post, we'll explore how amended tax returns work, the importance of seeking professional assistance, and how our firm can help you navigate the complex world of tax resolution. Uncovering Missed Income and Deductions:Sometimes, taxpayers file their returns only to realize later that they omitted certain sources of income, such as earnings from temporary jobs or side gigs. This oversight becomes apparent when they receive a 1099 or a late W2 form indicating the income earned. Similarly, others m...
Comments 1
By Simon Campbell
(Bankforeclosuressale.com)
The mortgage systems in the United States and Canada share some similarities, but they also have notable differences. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for individuals looking to navigate the mortgage process in either country. In this article, we will delve into the key variances between the mortgage systems in the United States and Canada, shedding light on mortgage types, down payment requirements, mortgage interest deductibility, mortgage insurance, prepayment penalties, and mortgage underwriting processes.Mortgage Types:One significant difference between the two countries lies in the prevalent mortgage types. In the United States, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most common option, offering a constant interest rate throughout the loan term. Conversely, in Canada, t...
Comments 0
By John Lake, Cape Cod and Sarasota Mortgage Banker
(Shamrock Home Loans)
WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED???After we enjoyed the fireworks from the 4th of July, the labor sector reports added some sparks to the markets. AND we had the Fed minutes from their last meeting about what might be in store for rate hikes.The major damage, which saw rates surge back into the 7% range was the ADP Private Payroll and Employment Report. 497,000 JOBS WERE CREATED, and annual pay rose 6.4%. This was led by hospitality and construction jobs created.Friday’s Bureau of Labor Statistics poured a little water on the raging inferno with numbers that were not as rosy and showed a small decline in income. That coupled with initial jobless claims, continuing claims, and the JOLTS (Job Openings and Labor Turnover) which showed a sizable drop, suggested softer job growth.The minutes from the ...
Comments 1
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
This past, short week was a very rough one for interest rates. ADP employment came in way higher than expected (close to 200k jobs over estimates) and the Fed’s minutes from June showed a very hawkish tone. Friday’s unemployment rate came in a tic lower at 3.6% too. The 10-year jumped up (will show chart below). Markets panicked and at this point, it is a sure bet that the Fed will be raising rates during their July 25th-26th meeting. Here is how markets are placing their bets:  Only 7.6% believe there will be a pause. I truly believe the pause from the last Fed meeting was a waste. It did nothing to the economy, the markets, consumer confidence in the Fed, etc. If the Fed’s agenda is to increase rates until the labor markets weaken, then let them go for it. It felt as if the parent gav...
Comments 0
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 4.24%CANHOU 06/15/28 [+0.03]   ‌ 10 Year - 4.01%CANHOU 06/15/33 [+0.03]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 5 Year - 3.96% CAN 03/01/28 [+0.03]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.53% CAN 06/01/33 [+0.03]   ‌ 15 Year - 3.51%* Est. 12/01/38 [+0.04]   ‌ 20 Year - 3.43%* Est. 12/01/43 [+0.04] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.05% [-]                   Prime Rate 6.95% [-]    
Comments 1
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Great information! Thank you for posting.  It's  GOOD TIME TO LOOK AT ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Mortgage rates fluctuated significantly to open 2023. In the first half, the average 30-year fixed rate went as low as 6.09% on Feb. 2 and climbed up to 6.79% on June 1, according to Freddie Mac. The range can be largely attributed to the Federal Reserve’s ongoing fight against inflation, juxtaposed with uncertainty in the banking sector sparked by Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse. However, with duress permeating the financial market and the fallout from U.S. debt ceiling talks, the Fed may continue making hikes to bring interest rates down. With the economy likely heading into a recession, it’s possible we’ve already seen the peak of this r...
Comments 2
By Matt Brady, One of San Diego's Best Lenders
(Watermark Capital)
Mortgage rates fluctuated significantly to open 2023. In the first half, the average 30-year fixed rate went as low as 6.09% on Feb. 2 and climbed up to 6.79% on June 1, according to Freddie Mac.The range can be largely attributed to the Federal Reserve’s ongoing fight against inflation, juxtaposed with uncertainty in the banking sector sparked by Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse. However, with duress permeating the financial market and the fallout from U.S. debt ceiling talks, the Fed may continue making hikes to bring interest rates down.With the economy likely heading into a recession, it’s possible we’ve already seen the peak of this rate cycle. Of course, interest rates are notoriously volatile and could tick back up on any given week.Experts from CJ Patrick Company, First American, ...
Comments 3
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Welcome Home ProgramAffordable Housing Grant for 2023 - Reopening July 6, 2023If you’re interested in buying or building a home, the Welcome Home Program (WHP) could be for you. The WHP offers grants for reasonable down payments and closing costs that buyers would incur during the purchase or construction of owner-occupied housing. This is specifically designed for low- and moderate-income homebuyers. What are the details of the Welcome Home Program?The Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB Cincinnati) offers grants of up to $15,000 for honorably discharged veterans, surviving spouses of military personnel, and active duty military homebuyers and up to $10,000 for all other homebuyers to assist with down payment and closing costs for income-eligible homebuyers through the Welcome H...
Comments 3
By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
Commercial Bond Yields CMB 5 Year - 4.05%CANHOU 06/15/28 [+0.06%]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.83%CANHOU 06/15/33 [+0.03]         * denotes interpolated rate GoC 5 Year - 3.76% CAN 03/01/28 [+0.06]   ‌ 10 Year - 3.34% CAN 06/01/33 [+0.03]   ‌ 15 Year - 3.34%* Est. 12/01/38 [+0.01]   ‌ 20 Year - 3.29%* Est. 12/01/43 [-] GOC Bonds are for reference purposes only Floating rate insured cost of funds 5.05% [-]                   Prime Rate 6.95% [-]    
Comments 1
By E. Steve Banis, Jr., https://www.SouthCarolinaHomesInc.com
(South Carolina Homes Inc.)
Mobile homes provide an affordable and flexible housing option for many people. As a seller or real estate agent, you play a vital role in helping your buyers navigate the process of funding their mobile home purchases. While finding funding for such purchases can sometimes be challenging, there are several avenues to explore. In this blog post, we will discuss effective strategies and ideas to assist your buyers in securing the necessary financing for their mobile home dreams.1. Explore Financing Options:When it comes to funding a mobile home purchase, buyers have a range of financing options available to them. These include:a. Chattel Loans: Chattel loans are specifically designed for mobile homes and are similar to personal loans. They involve financing the home itself, excluding the...
Comments 2
By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
 #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #creditscore #finances #realestate #icanhelp #happyhome #happyhomeowners #realestateagent #realtor #realtornearme #realtorspartanburg #realtorboilingsprings
Comments 0
Back to Top