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Lending / Financial

Buying real estate is even more challenging for those of us whose eyes glaze over at the mere mention of decimals, percentages or anything else that even hints of mathematics.


The financial aspect of purchasing the largest investment of your lifetime, though, is the most important. Nobody wants to lose money. Nobody wants to leave money on the table.


If you're in the market for information on mortgages, credit scores and interest rates, you've come to the right place. The financial and mortgage pros here at ActiveRain even tell you how to shop for and compare lenders, how to raise your credit score, how to get a mortgage after a short sale or foreclosure and how to get pre-approved for a mortgage loan. Even Mom and Dad can't give the great advice you'll find here at ActiveRain.


Plan to spend some time here because ActiveRain's content library is massive. Lucky for you we've arranged it so that it's über user-friendly. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to put your finger on just the information you're looking for without having to surf a million other pages.

Recent blogs on Lending / Financial
By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
With the passing of the FOMC rate decision, it has become clear that the Federal Reserve is taking a wait-and-see approach to the current situation regarding tariff policies. Although the vast majority of economists around the world have made predictions about what lies ahead, the effects have not yet been pronounced. Many of the recent tariff changes have also been revoked or put on pause for the largest industries, leaving many markets uncertain about the future. The key takeaway is that conditions will likely remain steady for now. The only other data release offering insight into what’s to come is the notable decline in U.S. retail sales, reflecting a reduction in consumer activity.U.S. Retail SalesSimmering trade wars have created a sort of start-and-stop economy, and the latest sn...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Renting a new place should be an exciting adventure, but for many, it can turn into a nightmare due to the prevalence of rent scams. These scams cause financial losses and can result in emotional distress for the landlords and tenants who fall victim to them. This guide will equip you with practical tips and knowledge to navigate the rental market safely. One of the essential tools in your arsenal is a burner phone to safeguard your personal information during initial interactions.Understanding Common Rent ScamsFrom fake listings to identity theft schemes, rent scams come in various forms, often designed to exploit your trust and urgency in finding a new home. Red flags may include unusually low rents for desirable locations, requests for wire transfers before property viewing, or landl...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
The CPI and PPI have yet to reveal the impacts of the tariff policies that were placed temporarily, which gives some potential insight that there might be a path forward for the Federal Reserve to look at potential rate cuts. However, economists across many industries are expecting inflation to increase temporarily as an impact for the policies that were put in place.Significant uncertainty remains across many import and export markets, with major players opting to err on the side of caution while awaiting a final decision from the administration regarding its policies. Consumer sentiment has shown a slight improvement for the first time in six months, offsetting the largely negative outlook that has dominated the market since the onset of the trade wars.Consumer Price IndexTop Federal ...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Q: How can I find a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) who is not associated with a brokerage house? I want truly independent advice, not advice that steers me toward selling securities. I especially want tax advice. Everyone I have called turned out to be associated with a brokerage house.   - Anonymous   There’s no surefire way to find a financial advisor who is the right fit. But there are a few important filters you can use to increase your odds.  Search MLS  For Your Next HomeWhat IS My Home Worth? How Much Home Do I Qualify For  The C-Note: Your Quick Guide to All Things Real EstateWelcome to The C-Note, the go-to source for everything real estate in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or managing rental properties, we’ve got you...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
By Charles Stallions, Your Trusted Real Estate Broker in PensacolaAre we living in the most financially empowered era, or the most economically confused? Despite more access to financial information than ever before, nearly half of American adults have lacked basic financial literacy for eight consecutive years. In 2024, that gap cost Americans over $243 billion, or roughly $1,015 per person, according to data from the Tax Foundation and World Economic Forum.As a real estate broker serving Pensacola since 1995, I see firsthand how financial confusion affects everyday people. And it’s not just low-income households. Even higher earners can fall behind if they don’t understand the core concepts that drive personal finance and investment.Take the term “equity,” for example—the most misunde...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
By Charles Stallions, Trusted Real Estate Broker Since 1995When choosing a mortgage, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to go with a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). While fixed rates offer long-term stability, ARMs can deliver short-term financial advantages, especially if you don’t plan to stay in the home for decades.Let’s take a closer look at the risks and benefits of ARMs to help you decide what makes the most sense for your goals.Understanding the Risks of an ARMFixed-rate mortgages are preferred by many because the interest rate remains unchanged over time, offering predictability and protection from rising market rates.ARMs, on the other hand, can adjust to market fluctuations. After an initial fixed-rate period, the interest rate...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
Getting Lower this week. Mortgage Rates that is decline to 6.85% nationally. Should you buy a home now or try and time the market and buy later if mortgage rates come down further? This is always a difficult decision especially when life is drawing you to buy a home. (Image: Freddie Mac Mortgage Rate Weekly Survey)Mortgage rates continue to tick down. How LOW CAN THEY GO?How Low Can They Go? Mortgage rates that is (Photo: Stocksnap, Pixabay)There may be a window of opportunity to own a home in the Phoenix Arizona metro now with home prices having declined somewhat while mortgage rates continue to "tick down" to 6.85% (good credit). Remember, you can marry the home of your dreams but only have to date the mortgage rate. One can date the rate by refinancing later when rates decrease. Over...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Let’s face it. The fun part of buying a home is looking through all the homes for sale to uncover your special gem. Not so fast, though. Without a bit of prep work, you could set yourself up for unpleasant surprises. After all, if you skip getting a mortgage preapproval before starting your search, you may fall for a home that a lender says you can’t afford.That’s why Todd Luong, a real estate pro with RE/MAX DFW Associates in Frisco, Texas, encourages his clients to get preapproved before shopping for homes. “It helps determine what a buyer can afford,” Luong says. “Getting preapproved provides a clear estimate of a buyer’s potential monthly payments. That allows them to focus on properties in their price range and avoid wasting time on homes that can exceed their financial limits.” Pl...
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By Eleanor Thorne, Advantage Lending 919-649-5058
(Equity Resources)
USDA Home Loans Wilmington NC with no down payment, it’s a Big Coastal Advantage! If you’re house hunting near the North Carolina coast, you might be surprised to learn how much buying power you have—especially with USDA Home Loans in Wilmington  NC, and the “suburbs” including Ogden, Leland and Rocky Point. These no-money-down mortgage programs are one of the best-kept secrets for first time home buyers looking to stretch their budget and minimize out-of-pocket costs at closing. Best of all?!  You don’t have to be a First Time Home Buyer to qualify for the program!  You just can’t own another home, at the time of closing. What Makes USDA Home Loans So Special? USDA Home Loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and they’re designed to help more families buy homes in eligi...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
he PCE Index release—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator—has shown favorable results. However, the overwhelming sentiment remains one of uncertainty due to the ongoing trade wars. With these conflicts still in full swing, inflation is expected to rise in the near future at a faster-than-anticipated pace. Following the recent trade truce with China, consumer sentiment has improved, though the long-term impact remains uncertain. As expected, consumer spending has declined noticeably, as the tariffs have led to short-term price increases.PCE IndexThe cost of living barely rose in April — and the rate of inflation slowed even closer to prepandemic levels — but it’s unclear whether the recent progress can be sustained as the trade wars drag on. The back-to-back monthly inflat...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Search MLS  For Your Next HomeWhat IS My Home Worth? How Much Home Do I Qualify For  The C-Note: Your Quick Guide to All Things Real EstateWelcome to The C-Note, the go-to source for everything real estate in Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or managing rental properties, we’ve got you covered. With Charles Stallions as your trusted real estate broker, you’ll find expert advice and actionable insights to help you make confident decisions.Have a question about the local area, from top dining spots to job opportunities or real estate guidance? Call or text Charles at 850-476-4494, or email charles@charlesstallions.com—it’s who we “R.”Mortgage 101: Simplifying the ProcessAre you considering financing, refinancing, or just navigating the ...
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By Scott Smolen, Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future
(RE/MAX Leading Edge)
With the upward trend of mortgage rates and continued escalation of home prices, many borrowers are considering the benefits of adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs). While this mortgage type can offer a more affordable entry into homeownership, it comes with risks. In this guide, we explore why ARMs are gaining popularity, how to determine if they are suitable for you, and the types of ARMs available. Why ARMs Are Popular Now:Adjustable-rate mortgages feature lower fixed interest rates for an initial period, followed by periodic adjustments throughout the loan's term. The appeal of ARMs has risen significantly, particularly as fixed mortgage rates surpassed 6%, a level unseen since 2008. The initial reluctance, as observed in early 2022, has shifted, with ARMs accounting for over 9% of mort...
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By Rodney Mason, VP of Mtg Lending, AL,AR,AZ,CA,CO,FL,GA,IN,MI,MS,NC,NV,SC,TN,TX,VA,WA
(Rate, Inc NMLS# 2611)
 This Military Appreciation Month, I’m honored to help Veterans, active service members and their families make the most of their VA loan benefits. With zero down, competitive rates, no private mortgage insurance, and no lender fee at close* with Rate, homeownership is within reach. 🎖️💰 I can personally assist with all your VA mortgage needs in AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, MI, MS, NC, NV, SC, TN, TX, VA & WA. 🏡Connect with me to get started. https://tinyurl.com/ytx8mz39
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
espite the recent pause on tariffs for Europe and progressing talks with China, the economic outlook remains largely negative across all sectors and markets. Although this week was relatively light on economic reports, the most notable was the Leading Economic Indicators, which showed a significant decline in every measurable category for April. This decline is largely attributed to the tariff policies implemented recently. Overall, the outlook remains pessimistic, despite other markets showing a more favorable reaction to the recent pauses on tariffs.U.S. Leading Economic IndicatorsThe Conference Board Leading Economic Index (LEI) for the US fell sharply by 1.0% in April 2025 to 99.4 (2016=100), after declining by 0.8% in March (revised downward from the -0.7% originally reported). The...
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By Kimo Stowell, REALTOR® RS-76763 - Honolulu Hawai'i
(HI Pro Realty LLC RB-21531 )
               Latest rates, based on 20 percent down, $200,000 owner-occupant mortgages. The rates and terms may vary; check with lenders for details. Rates may have changed click here to verify Wednesday, June 4, 2025  Lender Term/Type Interest Rate % Points % *APR American Savings Bank808-593-1226NMLS#423168 15-YR Fixed 5.375 2.000 5.814 30-YR Fixed 6.375 2.000 6.656 5-YR ARM 5.500 1.625 6.612 Bank of Hawaii877-616-2636 15-YR Fixed 5.500 0.875 5.636 30-YR Fixed 6.125 1.750 6.292 5-YR ARM 5.500 1.750 6.541 Central Pacific Bank808-544-0500NMLS#416603 15-YR Fixed 5.375 2.125 5.843 30-YR Fixed 6.250 1.875 6.521 5-YR ARM 6.250 0.000 6.894 Finance Factors808-548-3300NMLS#449916 15-YR Fixed 5.250 2.125 5.804 30-YR Fixed 6.250 2.125 6.601 5-YR ARM 6.500 1.500 7.194 First Hawaiian Bank808-643...
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
 Remembering The Fallen This Memorial Day "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them."... John F Kennedy Let's each of us pause for a moment today to honor the memories of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our country and our cherished freedoms. Let's also reflect on the profound sacrifices made by the families of the fallen. On this Memorial Day, may we all find time to recognize their courage, pay tribute to their memory, and express our deepest gratitude. "What they gave us is beyond our powers to repay." ... Ronald Reagan   "This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn't come home. This is not Veteran's Day, it's not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contempla...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
How I Helped My Buyer Beat the Interest Rate Game — And How You Can TooBy Chris Dunham — The Real Estate Guy™Let me tell you a quick story.About a year ago, I had a first-time buyer couple — excited, nervous, and like most people these days, a little rattled by interest rates. They were qualified, ready to go, but every mortgage quote made them wince. They were starting to think maybe they missed their shot.That’s when I rolled up my sleeves and did what I’ve done for over 25 years: I found the opportunity behind the numbers.What most buyers don’t realize is — you can negotiate your way into a better rate. That’s right. You don’t always have to settle for the one the bank first shows you.It Starts With ConcessionsWe wrote an offer on a great home in Queen Creek that had been sitting for...
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By Peter Kici EA, Enrolled Agent
(Tax Debt Relief Group)
You're likely no stranger to the challenges of managing tax liabilities as a small business owner. The IRS Fresh Start Program can be a game-changer, offering more flexible payment options and reduced penalties. By taking advantage of streamlined installment agreements, you can avoid lengthy disclosures and focus on growing your business. But that's just the beginning - the program also offers opportunities for penalty relief and settling debts for less than owed.Key Takeaways The IRS Fresh Start Program offers streamlined installment agreements to small businesses, allowing flexible payment options and reduced financial burdens. Small businesses can avoid tax liens and manage tax liabilities through the program, minimizing financial hurdles and promoting steady growth. Eligibility for ...
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By Bob Elliot, 30Yrs Experience
(RES Realty)
There are a lot of financing options available to help you purchase real estate, especially if you meet credit guidelines.Most lenders prefer to offer 30-year mortgage loans. With a longer loan term, they collect more money in interest over the life of the loan, but if you have strong credit, a 15-year mortgage may be a better option, and one worth considering. Here's a breakdown of the two:What About a 30-Year Mortgage?Thirty-year mortgages are the most common option for homebuyers. Monthly payments are typically more affordable, which is why lenders frequently recommend them. You may even qualify for a larger loan amount with a 30-year term. However, you’ll usually end up paying a higher interest rate over time, and significantly more in total interest.What Are the Benefits of a 15-Ye...
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By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
What does Dave Ramsey say about Down Payment Math and Strategy for buying your first home? Read on... (Photo: Thinking Woman by Robin Higgins, Pixabay)Hint! Saving for a Down Payment to buy a home is also the BEST way to save for retirement. What gives? Seems strange doesn't it? Save for a down payment on a home before saving for retirement. That is what financial guru Dave Ramsey says. Why? Well, read on...Save for down payment on a "home" before saving for retirement?Per Realtor.com on March 3, 2025 by Dina Sartore-Bodo, "As home prices rise, so do down payments, making it increasingly difficult for potential buyers to invest in real estate. While experts have suggested a multitude of ways to afford a house in the current market, financial expert Dave Ramsey proposed a radical solutio...
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